Behind Closed Doors

38. The Talk

November 2016

Zayn had met Harry's band the same morning he arrived to Jamaica over breakfast. Sarah, Harry's drummer, made them all Benedict eggs, hash browns, strawberries drizzled in honey and American coffee.

Zayn got on rather easily with them all. They had a very chill and welcoming vibe. He learned that Mitch had no idea who Zayn was or any clue about One Direction, something that instantly made him the favorite of Harry. And rightly so, it was a breath of fresh air when someone had no idea who they were in the past and only knew them as individuals.

That being said, Zayn took a particular liking to Adam, Harry's bassist. The two got on quite easily following Adam's admittance that he listened to Zayn's music more often than not. A fact Harry hadn't even known.

Harry had feigned a look of shock and betrayal while finishing his eggs beside Zayn at the kitchen high top counter, as he put his hand over his chest. "Et tu Bruté?"

Everyone chuckled including Adam. "Sorry lad! I didn't wanna say anythin cause I thought you two had beef."

"We do have beef." Harry replied sending a fake glare Zayn's way.

Zayn chuckled in return then got up and walked next to Adam who stood by the refrigerator. He threw an arm around him as he said, "Don't be upset, Hazza. The man knows good music. It shouldn't be a crime."

The keyboardist, Claire, who was part Japanese and stunningly beautiful also voiced her affinity for Zayn. "Well since we are confessing..." she began, "Harry, you already knew I listened to One Directions music and went through my fangirl era. But I may have left out the fact that I was indeed a 'Zayn girl'." She said with air quotes.

Harry's jaw nearly hit the floor before he stood up abruptly and began washing his plate aggressively. "Am I living a lie!?"

Zayn chuckled alongside the others before moving to stand next to Harry. He rubbed his back in a caring gesture and teased, "It's alright, love. Can't hate her for being human. I mean, I was the most attractive one...." He said just before shooting Claire a wink.

Harry sent Zayn a sneaky little smirk before turning around to the others. "But in all seriousness. Zayn is a dear friend of mine. There's no beef between us but we have maintained our friendship privately cause fuck the press. He's gonna be staying with me a few days but don't let his presence distract you from our work." Harry looked to Adam and then Claire, "I'm talking to you two Judas's."

"Harry's a bit of a narcissist if you didn't already know. You have to stroke his ego from time to time. He knows I'm amazing and loves my musical talent too, don't let him fool you." Zayn added with a pat to Harry's back.

"Exactly!" Harry replied, "see, Zayn gets it. So come on, everyone tell me something they love about me." He said jokingly.

Mitch chuckled and rolled his eyes alongside the others. "We can do a dick measuring contest later. For now, let's get to work." He said.

"No need," Harry replied before flipping his nonexistent long hair, "I already know mines the biggest."

Everyone laughed and joked some more before Zayn was left alone again with Harry. The others were going to get ready and then meet up at the studio in an hour.

The two men were still in the kitchen. Harry had on a button up floral shirt and jeans, while Zayn remained in sweats and a tshirt. Harry turned to Zayn and wrapped his arms around his neck.

"So.... What do ya think?"

Zayn pecked Harry's lips and said, "I think your band has great taste." He chuckled and added, "Noh but in all seriousness, they seem really cool, baby. You chose wisely. I'd actually be a little jealous if they hadn't stroked my ego all morning."