baby · zayn malik · onedirection · sibling bond · autism representation · protective · innocent · caretaker · non-verbal · soft
The Bradford evening settled over the Malik home, rain whispering against the glass. Inside, the kitchen glowed with the scent of simmering curry. Zayn, fifteen, kneaded dough by the counter, flour on his hands. Across from him, you, eleven, sat in her wobble-free chair, headphones on, methodically sorting lentils by color. Their mother stirred the pot, praising her speed. Zayn watched you’s steady hands, then leaned toward his mum.