Kerosene ~Zarry~

Chapter 10.

When things change around you, things change inside you.

Before Harry came into his life, Zayn never imagined himself letting go of the past. Never saw himself forgiving the world. But here he is.

Still bruised and a little broken, but alive. And not just 'making it through another day'.

He's living his life. Getting out of the house for more than just groceries and work. Be-friending people, a month ago he would've just walked by on the street and ignored.

Zayn isn't just alive. He's living.

That's why today, on a bright Saturday morning with the sun blazing and water salty, Zayn is at the beach. Out of the house. Away from work.

But he's not alone, of course.

"Ocean!" Alana giggled excitedly pointing straight ahead. She started squirming in Zayn's arms and he knew she wanted down. But just in case, "Down." Alana looked at her father with a smile.

He smiled back as they continued walking. "One second babe." He laughed. Zayn was anxious about Alana at the beach. The water, the strangers, the animals in the ocean and on land.

"Slow poke." Harry rolled his eyes at Zayn. "I'll take her down to the water, she'll be fine Zayn." He could sense the worry coming from Zayn, so he reassured.

Taking a deep breath in and out, "Ok." Zayn handed Alana to Harry, who happily took the little girl into his arms.

"Hey Lana." Harry smiled to her.

Alana giggled back, "Hi." Dragging out the 'i' and smiling wide. Which caused Zayn to smile as well. "Water?" Alana tilted her head to the side in question, resting one of her small hands on Harry's chest.

"Alright alright, I get it darling." He said jokingly and easily put Alana on his shoulders as he started walking toward the ocean.

Zayn had to smile wide at the sight of those two getting along so easily, and Alana giggling adorably the whole way to the water.

But on the other hand he couldn't take his eyes away from the toned muscles of Harry's tan back. To Zayn, things like that were just bonus features. Harry is a beautiful soul, and that's what Zayn like the most about him.

Occasionally Alana would come back over to Zayn and get something to drink or eat, and Harry would say something along the lines of; "Zayn. The anxiety is radiating off you. Just relax. This day isn't gonna be very fun for either of us if you don't."

And Zayn would respond with a "I'll join you later. I am relaxing." Harry would roll his eyes and wave a hand dismissively before running back to the blue ocean with Alana by his side.

After almost an hour of Harry and Alana playing in the water, and Zayn sitting in his chair carefully watching over them both, the two came running back over to Zayn.

Harry chasing Alana and pretending to be a monster. Once she reached Zayn, Alana jumped onto his lap and yelled "Help dada! Don't let him get me!" But still giggling none the less.

Zayn hugged her tight to his chest and playfully glared at Harry, "Oh I would never let him get you, beautiful. I'll keep you safe." He smiled to her.

And as if a lightbulb lit up inside her little head, Alana gasped and clapped her hands together. "Dada!" She yelled to him, lifting her head from his chest.

Zayn widened his eyes in fake shock. "Yes?" He asked her. Harry smiled at the two.

"Superman?" She asked him excitedly.

Zayn looked at her like she was crazy. "Right now?" He asked.

Alana nodded her head. "Please, dada." She asked him, pouting and giving puppy dog eyes.

Zayn looked at Harry, who looked at him very confused. Taking a deep breath, standing up, and looking down at Alana. "Ok." He breathes out reluctantly.

It's not that he doesn't like doing it, cause he does. It makes Alana happy. But the idea of doing it in front of Harry, makes him feel a little embarrassed.

So with many different internal conversations with himself, and great courage, Zayn kneels down and allows Alana to get on his back as she cheers.

Harry's expression quickly turns from confused to amused as he watches Zayn effortlessly run around, one fist on his hip and the other pointed toward the sky like Superman, with little Alana on his back giggling and squealing while shouting words of excitement.

It was a beautiful sight really, seeing Zayn so happy. He looked relaxed, calm. He looked peaceful. And his gorgeous smile didn't help stop the butterflies fluttering in Harry's stomach, or make his rapid heartbeat slow.

Not that Harry was complaining. He likes this feeling. He missed this feeling.

He could only hope that Zayn is able to feel it too.