-Daisy-

I was not going to forgive him this time. No matter how much he begged. He had promised me that he would never do something like that again, and then he went and did it. How could he when he knew how I felt about this. I had told him that I was his, that Harry didn't matter because I would never let him have me. Zayn didn't trust me?

-Zayn-

It wasn't that I didn't trust her, I didn't trust myself, and I didn't trust Harry. I felt like I couldn't leave her alone for a second without someone pouncing on her, especially Harry.

The worst part was seeing her hurt. I had done something wrong, I knew, and no silent treatment or other punishment could compare to the pangs in my chest that I got when I saw that look on her face.

-Daisy-

We had not spoken at all. It was in the middle of the night when I went outside on the balcony to get some fresh air. There was something about looking out on the sparkling lights, so close and so far at the same time, breathing fresh air. It just calmed me, and made me peaceful. I wish there was an ocean nearby to surf. That was what I really wanted. Before, I had just been a simple surfer girl with clear priorities. Now there were boys involved, and fame, and everything just got complicated.

I was deep in thought when I heard the sliding door open and close behind me. I didn't look around. I knew who it was.

-Zayn-

She let out a small gasp when I came up from behind her and put my arms around her and my chin on her shoulder. She didn't move in response. She kept her gaze straight ahead with a calm look on her face, but I could feel her heart racing under my arms.

My heart broke a little more when she continued to ignore me. I lightly kissed the corner of her jaw, hoping to get a reaction out of her, but there was nothing.

-Daisy-

"I'm sorry." his voice sounded broken, barely a whisper, blending in with the song of the crickets and the rustling of the trees.

"That's what you said before." I hadn't meant for it to come out sounding so bitter. I felt him sigh, and his strong arms wrapped a little tighter.

"I messed up." he continued. I was silent. "I was being so stupid. I did something that would make me lose you." his arms tightened further, and I felt his nose lightly brush behind my ear.

"Why'd you do it." I asked suddenly, turning my head sideways so I still wasn't looking at him, but speaking at him.

"I don't know." he responded. there was a long pause. "I guess just the thought of him taking you away from me..." he either trailed off or was too quiet to hear the rest.

I bit my lip. I felt my dimples popping. Of course, now it was up to me to forgive him, or to shun him. "You know you have done a lot of things wrong."

"But that's only because I want to protect you."

"From what?" Now, I was facing him, my back to the railing of the balcony. I actually wanted to know, needed to know, to answer to why he had done so many bad things and gotten in so many fights.

"From other boys." he said quietly, the ghost of a smile on his lips. He looked up at me. "Have you ever realized how beautiful you are?"

I didn't answer.

"I'm afraid that if I don't protect you, you will end up with someone that doesn't treat you the way you deserve." More silence. "And Harry's one of them." The last part was so quiet I again had to strain my hearing to catch it. I almost felt as if I were going to start shaking. I felt weak. I just wanted to get away from it all. But Zayn kept me coming back every time.


-Zayn-

She let out her little gasp again when I spun her around. I just needed to interact with her and see her face at the same time. See her make some sort of expression.

I felt triumphed when I saw that her eyes were widened and her lips slightly parted, full of wonder. I gently lifted her up and sat her on the railing.

I played with her fingers in her lap. "Will you forgive me? One last time?" When I looked up, her eyes were still focused on our hands, and she bit her lip again, showing her irresistible dimples. I took her chin. It was frustrating when she didn't look me in the eyes. I forced her to look at me, maybe with too much effort. She looked frightened for a split second before her eyes returned to their placid state. I removed my hand, realizing what I had done.

There was silence and I played with her fingers some more. "I won't mess up, I promise." I said again, and this time I caught her eye. She was perceptive and curious, wondering what I was thinking, I could tell. She looked away.

-Daisy-

He took my in his arms, as close as when we had kissed.

"I love you." he whispered.

And my heart stopped for just a second.