Behind Closed Doors

10. Tequila

"How're you surprised, mahn! I told ya Liam would have my back, Louis was more of the 'let's get fucked up' friend," Zayn said, laughing.

He and Harry had been catching up for a couple hours now. Harry told Zayn that he had been writing here and there, hoping to be able to get in the studio. Recently however, that had been put on hold. Apparently the reasoning was top secret, but with a little push, Zayn got it out of him.

Harry swore him to secrecy before finally telling Zayn he'd auditioned for a Christopher Nolan war film. It surprised Zayn, but he knew Harry must've smashed it because he had gotten the part.

Zayn told Harry about his time after leaving One Direction. Saying that his mom made him see a therapist in Bradford after realizing how out of it Zayn was. The therapy had helped get his head straightened out but Zayn didn't plan on going back. He'd only went for 2 months but felt like they'd hit a wall due to Zayn's unwillingness to confide in any professional concerning his relationship with Harry. Though Zayn kept that last bit to himself.

For the past 40 minutes or so, the two had begun reliving memories together while Harry caught Zayn up on the band dynamic after he'd left.

Harry had told Zayn that they were all pissed, including Harry, when Zayn left. Yet Liam was really the first to come off it. Apparently Liam stood up for Zayn, and often. Surprising Harry but not so much Zayn.

"Ya but you and Louis were inseparable for a while there!" Harry replied to Zayn.

"ya but. Hmm." Zayn contemplated his explanation before continuing. "Okay. Soh basically like, Liam is that friend that you don't have to talk to much but you just know they got your back, ya know? Like, he doesn't need that reassurance from me, which works out for me as well since I'm not that kind of guy."

Harry chuckled at this, nodding in agreement.

"which is why I'd call him my best mate for the time I was in the band. Even if I was closer to Louis cause I was hangin around him more, I could always trust for Liam to have mah back. My 'day one' for lack of a better term. Even if we aren't talkin much these days."

Harry ignored most of what Zayn said, focusing on only one sentence Zayn had said, "I thought I was your best mate!" Harry exclaimed jokingly. "In fact, I specifically remember you telling me on multiple occasions that I was your best friend."

Zayn looked down at his feet, blushing. "Yah but that's different, innit?"

"A best friends a best friend. I took that title very seriously. In fact I'm feeling a teeny bit betrayed."

Zayn could see Harry was only pulling his leg. "Course you were my best friend, Haz. You just weren't like.... my bro....."

"Gawd I'd hope not. I'd hate to think of what on earth goes on in Bradford for that to even be a consideration."

Zayn laughed, "exactleh. Soh you know wut I mean. Stop being a cheeky shit."

Harry smiled at Zayn and stared into his eyes. They were unreadable. Zayn wasn't sure what the lad was thinking. They seemed to be holding back so much. He thought to a time where he could tell exactly what Harry was thinking just by looking into those eyes. Once, they were like a peephole into Harrys soul. Words were never much needed. Now, to see how closed off they were, so un-Harry, made Zayn's heart hurt.

"Do ya have somewhere I could go for a smoke?" Zayn asked, needing a nicotine buzz to mull him over.

"Ah. Some habits really don't die," Harry sighed. "Mate. Sorry but this is a smoke free estate."

Zayn wasn't sure if Harry was playing around.
"Might as well put up a sign that says, 'No Zayn Malik's allowed.'"

"Oh, you didn't see it? I actually have that exact sign out back. Here, let me show you." Harry got up smiling and gesturing for Zayn to follow.