Snow (Zarry AU)

Part 17

They're waiting in line for the chair lift, which is not what Zayn was expecting. Honestly, he thought Harry was going to make him partake in another possibly life-threatening activity, but he's glad at least this one doesn't require him to be active. So it's just life-threatening, really. If he falls off. Admittedly, it doesn't look entirely safe.

"You're not worrying, are you?" Harry's voice cuts through his inner monologue. "It's a scenic chairlift ride, nothing can happen."

"Right," is Zayn's curt reply.

Harry sighs. "If you fall, which is very unlikely, it's not that far down. Plus, the snow will catch you."

Zayn pulls a face. "That's reassuring?"

"I don't know? The snow looks soft."

"Yea? It also looks like it would taste good, but that doesn't mean I want to try it any time soon," Zayn fires back, feeling himself become more agitated.

"Who says you'll fall down face first?" Harry quips, nudging Zayn with his elbow.

"I could punch you, but there are children watching, and I don't want to set a bad example."

Harry snorts. "How considerate of you."

"I try."

"Some people don't have to try."

"Now you've hurt my feelings," Zayn whines, pretending to wipe away a fake tear.

"Wasn't aware you had any," Harry tries to keep a straight face, but smiles eventually. "I'm on a roll!"

"Well, you ruined it just there," Zayn says, patting him on the shoulder. The line has moved forward, and now it's their turn to take a seat. Bickering with Harry actually managed to calm Zayn down somewhat. Until his feet are no longer touching the ground.

They start the tragically slow climb, which Zayn has to admit isn't so scary. For now all he can see is the white blanket beneath their feet, and the thinning lines of trees on either side of them. Everything looks so clean; not a human touch noticeable. If you disregard the awful noise of the chairlift.

"Alright, this isn't bad at all. It's...pretty," Zayn admits, smiling at Harry next to him.

"Figured as much. You're more of a visual guy, anyway."

"What's that?"

"Just saying, you like pretty things."

Zayn gives him a disbelieving look. "Are you calling me shallow?"

"No! You appreciate things not many people do?" Harry tries, but has to duck down when Zayn swings at his head with his fist.

"That was a question, you idiot. Not good enough," Zayn laughs at Harry's grimace. "I won't push you off the lift, don't worry."

"Good, now let's enjoy the view," Harry sighs, letting himself sink into Zayn's side.

"I am," Zayn says, looking down at Harry.

Harry rolls his eyes and pulls Zayn's arm around him so he can snuggle further into his side. "Just do as I say."

Zayn hums, kissing Harry's cheek and directing his gaze to what's in front of him. What would make this even better is a soundtrack. Some soothing music as they glide along the snow-covered trees. Their branches are so long Zayn can almost reach them.

When he looks up towards where they're going, he can spot a large wooden building. "What's that?" he asks Harry.

"Restaurant," Harry pauses before continuing, "We could have lunch there?"

Zayn nods. "Sounds good." He's not really hungry, but he'd like to enjoy the view for as long as he can.

The lift creaks, and the climb starts to become less steep. Zayn has to blink against the sun now there are barely any trees around to block the light for them. The ground once more starts getting closer to their feet, and before he knows it they've reached the top and are hurrying out of their lift.

Zayn turns around, and is stunned by the view.

Mountains. Miles and miles of mountains, some covered in snow and others not so much. The clouds are rolling by in slow motion, passing over them and scattering the sun's rays against the mountainsides. Suddenly Zayn wishes he could stay here until sundown, when the mountain would be cast in a halo of light and everything goes golden. He can almost see it.

"Let's take a photo together," Harry says, dragging Zayn by the sleeve so the only view behind them is the mountains. Zayn watches as he removes his glove and takes out his phone. "Bloody cold," Harry curses and selects the front-facing camera.

They press their cheeks together so they can get as much of the background in the shot as possible, and take multiple photos. Some with genuine smiles, others with silly faces, and in the last one with their lips locked together. Harry pockets his phone but keeps kissing Zayn, pulling him closer and pressing his gloveless hand against Zayn's cheek.

Zayn feels like he can't be far off from heaven.

Only three chapters left now.. the next one will be up on Thursday! Thank you so much for the support!

All the love xxx <3

Dedication: @amy_jackson