I'm fine, We're fine [boyxboy]

Twenty-Three

Zayn's POV

"You're exhausted, love, this will do you good."

I watched Liam load our things into the trunk of his car. Three bags were mine, two were his. Four blankets were piled on top and our shoes were just scattered in gaps wherever they would fit. There were already jackets back there as well as many other miscellaneous things we might have needed for a weekend at his parents cabin.

"I don't know, Liam," I sighed and leaned against the car. It was two days after the encounter with Harry and I still couldn't get over it. Every word he said echoed over and again in my mind and I hadn't slept good since. I don't know if it was fear for Louis, worries about Harry's motives, or a combination of both.

Liam slammed the trunk and pulled me into a hug. "Baby, you've had a rough few weeks. Remember when I told you that you have to take care of yourself, too? This will be good for you, for us. Just a weekend away. No worries, no Harry. Just us. There's barely any signal. There's a tv in the living room that still plays VHS tapes. You'll enjoy it. We can build a fire, make some s'mores, take a hike in the woods. They even have this part of the square that's modeled after a tavern in Germany. It's great."

"Do you even know how to start a fire?"

"No, but you do."

I couldn't help but laugh at his honesty when I tucked my face into the crook of his neck. Liam was right. I was tired, I spent too much time worrying about the what-ifs and why's. I was running myself into the ground and I knew it.

"Fine, I'll go with you."

"Like you had a choice." Liam kissed my head and pulled away. "Let's go make sure we've got everything before we leave. I need to double check the windows, make sure everything is locked up tight. Make sure you lock your car, too." I watched him walk off and take the steps two at a time until he disappeared in the house. I began to follow him but paused when my phone vibrated in my pocket. I pulled it out and was surprised to see a message from Louis.

Louis: thank you, i know you don't trust him, but i love him. we can get better

I was still conflicted on it but I didn't have time to ponder because another message came through from Louis.

Louis: you're still my best friend, i love you still (: have fun this weekend!

Every message he sent was sounding like the old Louis and that made me feel better than I had in days. I'd hardly heard from him in a month, and two messages at once filled me with hope. I still wholeheartedly believed he was making a foolish decision in pursuing anything with Harry. No matter how many times Harry showed up here in tears, begging for forgiveness, or even just showing up with Louis for an evening dinner with us would not replace the trust. It was shattered. I had nothing for Harry, I never would. I would never forgive him, not even if everyone else did. He was dead to me, but I would respect Louis and be civil. Louis was my best friend, the closest thing to a little brother I'd ever had and I missed him dearly. If tolerating Harry brought us back together, then I would do it.

I replied back and told Louis I loved him and we were going to be leaving soon before going back in the house. Liam was in the living room checking the window to make sure it was locked. He had my phone charger in his hand and one of the many lip balms I had scattered throughout the house. I smiled at him and went back through, first to our bedroom then the bathroom, and finally doing a final sweet through the spare room before joining him where he waited by the door. I had grabbed one extra blanket from the end of our bed and was holding it in my hand. His keys jingled in his hands and I was reminded to make sure my car was locked. My keys hung on a hook by the door and I took them. The car beeped when I pressed the soft button and I dropped them into my pocket.