Dec 3
(advent drabbles)
Zayn had always been able to understand them. Since he was a little boy he’d scooped up earthworms caught in endless driveways or saved sparrows tangled in chicken wire.
“That rabbit likes your violets.”
Liam said it so causally, as if it were normal to translate the thoughts of animals into human speech.
“He comes back nearly every day, usually brings his brother,” Zayn replied, wondering how the boy beside him remained so blasé about his gift. It was rare; Zayn had never met anyone else who had it. Liam smiled at him, a slow motion that started in his eyes before it ever reached his lips, like a flower putting out leaves before a bud.
“I usually don’t tell people. But since you can too, I figure it’s safe. Maybe lots of things are safe. It’s nice not needing words,” Liam said, scooting in Zayn’s direction, bumping their thighs.
Zayn’s cheeks grew warm. “You can’t read my mind, it doesn’t work on humans. That’s not possible.”
“You sure?”
Liam leaned in and kissed him, his large hands cupping Zayn’s jaw. And well, maybe Liam could hear his thoughts after all.