Behind Closed Doors

12. Bungalow

I can't help but demonstrate my Freudian fate
My alibi for taking your guy
History repeats itself, it fails to die
And animal aggression is my downfall
I don't care 'bout what you got I want it all

-"What is it About Men," by Amy Winehouse

November 2011

The boys decided they wanted to go back to Harry's dads bungalow one month before the tour. It would signify their journey and growth over the past year. Harry had come up with the idea a few months prior to use his step-father's bungalow every year as a foundation for the band and their successes. It was the place they all had first gotten to know one another when the group was formed. They chose to stay over a long weekend. Friday to Sunday, similar to one year prior. The only difference would be that this time, camera men were coming to film them Saturday to document the boys journey. It seemed like the label knew One Direction wouldn't be a quick fad, but could likely continue growing in stardom for many years to come.

As each boy arrived, the first thing to go over was sleeping arrangements. Zayn was the last to arrive and knew he would have to take what was left, which happened to be a queen bedroom shared with Harry. Harry claimed none of the other lads wanted to sleep with him because of his habit of hogging covers. Yet, Liam later told Zayn that Harry had informed him and the others he and Zayn would share that room from the moment they'd arrived. Zayn figured it was best not to ponder what the truth was as he moved his duffel bag into the bedroom.

Having arrived midday, the boys decided to order some pizza and hang out by the pool that evening. The fall weather was beginning to kick in, but the boys didn't mind and still wanted to take advantage of the pool which was warmer than the evening air. Zayn was the only one who chose not to get in, but watched them by the edge of the pool with his hoodie and gym shorts on.

"Come on Zayn!" Harry yelled at him from the pool. "Don't be a party pooper."

The other boys chimed in as well but Zayn told them he would get in tomorrow.

"It's too cold to night swim. We'll see who's laughing when it's time to get out."

They dropped it, but Niall told him if he didn't get in tomorrow that he'd throw him in. Zayn didn't mind their antagonizing. Instead he chose to sit back and enjoy watching them banter with each other. Sometimes Zayn enjoyed watching from afar rather than participating and tonight was one of those occasions.

Sure enough, when it came time to get out, all the boys begged Zayn to bring their towels to them but he refused. It was only when he saw Harry visibly shaking with cold that Zayn went and threw him a towel.

"Hey! Pickin favorites now?" Niall pouted, having had to walk across the deck to get his towel. Zayn hadn't moved a muscle for any of them but Harry. It wasn't even a joke or playful behavior. Zayn instinctively had grabbed Harry's towel for him, not wanting to see the lad shiver like he was. He decided not to think about it too hard, he just had a soft spot for Harry. That's all. -Is what Zayn told himself.

Inside, the boys ate the pizza and enjoyed each other's company while watching a few movies. When Louis insisted on watching Insidious, Zayn felt Harry scoot closer to him on the couch they'd been sharing. They shared the loveseat while Liam took the recliner. Niall and Louis were the most excited for the film and sat together on the floor under a large blanket.

When the scarier scenes came on, Zayn felt Harry grab onto his arm and tuck his head away into Zayn's neck. Zayn welcomed his company, finding it comforting and not at all annoying or odd, as he may have done a few months ago.