Parole | Zarry

20

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His boss gave him only two weeks to relocate.

He booked a flight to Italy and packed up his few belongings in a couple of suitcases.

Zayn and Harry didn't see much of each other over those two weeks.

It was too painful, like poking at a sore.

When they did spend time together, the silence was horrible, and the usual playfulness in their lovemaking was replaced with a raw desperation.

The day of his flight, Harry showed up at Zayn's door with a yowling Evie in a carrier.

Zayn stood in his doorway, silent as always, face blank.

"Will you take Evie?" Harry asked.

"Traveling is gonna be too hard on her, and She likes you better than She likes me anyway."

Zayn nodded once, stiffly.

Harry put the carrier down just inside the door. He placed a paper bag beside the carrier.

"His dishes are in here, and his brush, and that Petromalt shit. All his toys... that fuzzy octopus thing you bought her, that's her favorite. I didn't bring her litter box 'cause it was pretty gross anyway. Want me to run by the store and pick up a new one?"

Head shake.

"Okay. But remember, She'll only use the box if you get Jonny Cat litter. Anything else and She'll piss all over the carpet or take a dump in the middle of your bed."

Eye roll.

"So, um, I guess I'm gonna go. If you're ever in Italy ... my new address is on a piece of paper in Evie's bag. I'd like to know-"

His voice broke, and he had to stop and collect himself.

"I'm gonna miss you so much," he whispered hoarsely.

Zayn dropped his head.

When he looked up again, his eyes were shiny.

He sniffed loudly, pointed at Harry, then at his garage, and briefly held his arms out like he was flying.

"No, thanks. I'm gonna catch a cab. I just.... Christ. I don't want to make a scene at the airport, okay?"

A nod.

They closed into a tight embrace, and Harry wished he'd never have to let go.

But the moment passed too quickly, and when they pulled slightly apart, Zayn unbuttoned Harry's shirt and kissed the surgical stitches.

Harry gave him a wavering smile and brushed his fingertips against Zayn's soft lips.

And then he went home to phone a cab.

• ☘ •

- Thank you for those 3-5 readers who comment every time. The book don't feel waste in that way.