elevator au - one direction

prologue

Harry was pacing in the bathroom as his sister waited for him.

"Think Harry," he mutters to himself. "Did you or did you not turn off the stove?"

He pauses and tries to think back to the early morning. He had been in a rush to get to class and left his apartment quickly.

Safe to check if I didn't just in case.

He exits the bathroom and walks past his sister.

"I have to go, I'll be back soon!" he says not turning around.

He sighs and walks quickly to the shabby apartment complex. He was a student who worked at a pizza place a couple of blocks away, he couldn't afford a much better place than what he had.

The clouds darken and he frowns.

He always hated the rain.

—

He smiles at the man in front of him.

"Thank you so much, sir," Niall says with a grin. "I won't let you down."

The man sticks his hand out for a handshake and Niall gives him a tight smile.

The amount of things he's touched without washing his hands is ridiculous.

He reluctantly shakes the man's hand before leaving to use the restroom. Quickly washing his hands he leaves the small restaurant with one of his trademark smiles.

He begins to walk and waves to the people on the street, feeling gleeful.

He got his first job and could finally help Lewis pay rent. They lived in a small flat a few blocks from the pizza joint.

It was a bit rundown but it was the best they could do for now.

He feels his stomach grumble and begins to plan what they would have for dinner. It was quite late and getting dark out.

He picks up his pace as dark clouds formed overhead.

There'll be a thunderstorm soon.

—

Zayn watches the woman in front of him examine the artwork with a critical eye.

He begins to grow impatient and checks his watch. He had planned to have dinner with his girlfriend tonight seeing as it was her only off day.

"How much?" the woman breaks the silence.

"$900," he responds with a smile.

The woman frowns and he quickly adds "but I'm willing to sell it for $700."

The woman turns and nods.

"I'll take it."

He smiles and shakes her hand, thanking her for stopping by his gallery.

He had just opened it and she was a frequent visitor. She often just viewed the art pieces but this was her first purchase. She had chosen one of the pieces Zayn was most proud of, a spray painting of his girlfriend, Gigi's, eyes. he chose to do the piece in black and white seeing as most people preferred less colorful art. It always confused him but whatever the customer wants, right?

He quickly packaged the canvas and helps the woman load it into her car.

She hands him the money and he smiles once again.

On his way back to their apartment he reflects on his day. He had sold two canvas pieces and a sculpture today. It was a very busy day, usually selling a couple of pieces a week.