night changes [zarry]

ix

"Hi," Harry greets, smiling at Aisha and Munira as he draws the pram up next to them, Sophie blissfully asleep for once, trying not to fuss with his hair which maybe he combed a bit more than he usually did.

"Hi, Harry," Munira grins. Aisha shushes her, poking her with her elbow.

"How are you?" Aisha says with a bright smile. "Feeling better?"

"Better?" Harry asks confused.

"We thought you must be ill, to have Hot Dad drop off your children this morning," Munira smirks.

Harry can feel the heat rushing to his cheeks and desperately tries think of any excuse. "He was just returning the favour," he says, clearing his throat. "Because I picked Laila up yesterday."

"And you live so close together," Munira nods with a grin.

Harry tries to smile back innocently but he's sure it comes out a grimace. Of course everyone would notice. How could they not. Especially when it was Zain, the Hot Dad they all noticed everything about.

"Hey," Zain says, both a welcome distraction and not. He smiles at Harry which does not help his blush at all. At least Munira and Aisha don't fear much better, Munira even giggling slightly before she catches herself.

"How are you, Zain?" Aisha asks causally, watching Zain lean down over Sophie's pram. She raises an eyebrow at Harry like Zain looking at the baby meant something. "You look exhausted. Rough night? Is Laila alright?"

Harry gapes at her. He cannot believe her! Munira slaps her hand in front of her mouth to keep her giggles from erupting. Aisha grins back at him, tugging on her sleeves innocently.

"Huh?" Zain makes, completely confused. "Laila's fine. I had to work late."

"I'm sure you did," Munira mutters, giggling again. Harry shushes her and then tries to look like he hasn't when Zain throws him a confused glance. This is worse than he could have possibly imagined. And they didn't even do anything that would make it worth it. It had been nice, having another set of hands this morning and Zain had looked soft and sleepy all through breakfast, but it was not worth the teasing. Not at all.

Fortunately, just then the first children erupt from the school gates like swarming insects and effectively distract Munira and Aisha, grubby hands tugging on clothes and demanding attention. It's always nice to see that not just his children were little monsters.

"You ok?" Zain asks quietly, touching Harry's back. "You look flushed. We're you in the sun?"

"No," Harry says, glad that the others are distracted and trying not to read to much into Zain noticing. Why does he notice? It's not helping Harry's crush.

"Just. Walked a bit quickly," he lies, smoothing his dress down. It's a giveaway really, to wear a dress, but maybe everyone would put it towards the weather not to Harry wanting to show off his legs for Zain. It's probably a lost cause as well because the mums notice everything anyways.

Zain hums in agreement, not stepping away. Harry's not sure he will be able to take much more of it, his cheeks flushed and his heart working overtime. He almost wishes Sophie would wake up and demand his attention. And of course his children for once weren't inclined to leave school just yet either.

"Your daughter is a nuisance," Zain says softly. Harry turns to snap at him but when he looks up, Zain is just looking towards the school yard affectionately. Harry follows his gaze to where Emma is stomping through left over puddles with a gleeful expression on her face, shrieking loudly every time the water sprays.

"She is," Harry has to agree, crouching down to catch her in his arms when she picks up her speed, colliding with him.

"Hello, my love," he says, cupping her face. "Your braids stayed in!" he adds, amazed, stroking his fingers down the plait.