Long Live (Sequel to Payton Swift)

Chapter 21

- Payton -

"We have been One Direction. Thank you all, goodnight!" Harry says, as they all wave goodbye to the audience as a group of five for the last time. My heart felt heavy as they go off stage and the lights go up, excited fans buzzing around the arena with their friends and family, many still on cloud nine. I follow security backstage, smiling at fans that noticed me and waved.

There was a voice in my head reminding me that their happiness wouldn't stay for long when they find out. I feel like the blame would be put on me, but if it is there isn't really anything I can do.

Anyway, once I was backstage I found myself in a sweaty group hug.

"You all smell disgusting," I laugh, only making the hug tighter. Four pull away after a minute but Niall lingers, only letting go when Zayn gives a look. When Niall is a foot or two away from me, Zayn tightly wraps an arm around my waist and we follow the boys back to their dressing space.

"Are you coming to the airport with me?" Zayn asks, swapping out his sweaty stage shirt for a black long sleeve.

"Yeah, we're all going, babe," I tell him, blinking back tears. I didn't want him to leave, none of us did. We couldn't talk him out of it though, Zayn had made up his mind. Unfortunately, he noticed that I was trying to hold back tears.

"Babygirl," he whispers, holding me close. "It's gonna be fine! Remember everything we have planned?"

I wipe the few tears from my eyes before giving him a kiss.

"I'm just worried. I'll still be helping the boys here and you'll be back home, what if you find someone better?" I ask him and Zayn just laughs.

"You're worried over nothing. I didn't fly to New York and take you to dinner only to break up with you two months later for someone "better", you're crazy if you think I would."

I smile when he kisses me, the conversation moving to our plans about getting a dog and living together, which are also two things I never thought I'd do with Zayn. I always thought Niall would be the one I'd be talking about the future with, he's the one I always saw with me. Although, Niall never liked talking about what I thought would have been our future together... I guess I should've taken that as a sign.

"The car's ready to take us to the airport, Zayn," says Louis, popping in to where Zayn and I were. Louis's eyes were watered over, he wasn't ready to say goodbye to his best friend, his partner in crime. Realizing I was there too, Louis tells Zayn he'll be in the hallway.

"Thanks bro," Zayn smiles. Louis returns the smile and goes back into the hallway. Zayn turns back to me, holding my hand once I'm standing beside him. He kisses me sweetly, lingering before pulling away.

"The more you kiss me the harder it's gonna be to not be with you until May," I tell him, earning a laugh.

"Fine," he smirks, turning to the front and leading me to the door. "I won't kiss you."

We walk into the hallway, meeting Louis right where he said he'd be. The three of us walk, with some security near us, to the door that led to parking. We find the other three already in the black SUV, patiently waiting.

"Hey lads," Louis says, trying to lighten the mood as we slide into the free seats.

***

The ride to the airport went by quickly, and soon we were saying goodbye to Zayn. The boys took their time and I was okay with that, considering I would be seeing Zayn in three months while they probably wouldn't see him for a while after seeing him everyday for almost five years.

It was sad.

I'm brought out of my thoughts by Zayn pulling me close to him. I wrap my arms around him and we stay like that until someone tells Zayn that it's time to go. He pulls away but I grab his arm to pull him back to me, cupping his face in my hands before kissing him.

"You didn't think I would let you leave without a kiss, did you?" I ask him, a smirk on his face. Zayn tilts my chin up so that we're looking right at each other.

"Never in my wildest dreams," he says softly, kissing me one more time before he's dragged away. I sigh and stand with boys, all of us waving to Zayn as he walks up the stairs to the jet. Once he's inside, the One Direction security team take us back to the car.

"Anyone feel like a drink?" I ask as the car starts back to the hotel.

"It's two-thirty in the morning, Payton," Harry says, placing a hand on my knee. "I think you have a problem."

I roll my eyes at him and look out the car window, the city moving quickly past me.

"Isn't it too soon to start drowning ya sorrows anyway?" Niall pipes up. I just give him a look and he shuts up, looking out the window. I turn my head and see Louis giving me a similar look to what I gave Niall.

"Payton, Payton, Payton," Louis mutters, shaking his head. "Relax, would ya? We're all upset, no need to snap."

I roll my eyes for the second time.

"Whatever."

Louis opens his mouth to speak but the closes it, none of us saying anything for the rest of the ride. After ten minutes or so, we're back at the hotel. When everyone gets out of the car and into the lobby, Harry pulls me aside.

"You seem really upset about Zayn leaving," he starts, placing his hand firmly on my shoulder. "So I want you stay with me in my room."

I raise a brow at him, really unsure if he was serious or not.

"P, I'm serious."

"If that's what you want," I say, shrugging my shoulders. "I'm not gonna fight you, I'll move my stuff over."

---

sorry that this is short, i've been suffering through a period of writer's block, which sucks because i have so many ideas but can't find the words to put it all together :(

what did you all think of the chapter? let me know what you liked & what you want to happen!

the next update will be on tuesday, march 1st!

soph x

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