We MaDe It

35. Epilogue (1)

Before the Styles own thanksgiving celebration begun Harry halted things to fetch his camcorder intent on documenting moments like these in their lives. His mind was also propelled into thinking ahead that he'll continue making the videos archive them for possible use as a source of reflection and looking back in time when him and Zayn celebrate a grand milestone like a golden anniversary for instance.

Everyone gathered in the lounge sitting on a large sofa purposefully bought to accommodate the huge clan awaiting Harry's return.

Alfie was cuddled to Niall for once. Zayn sat next to them but otherwise occupied braiding Elijah's hair. The latter was seated on the floor slotted between his legs.

"Niall, did I tell you my dad gave my dogs away?" Zayn asked him.

"Nope you didn't." Niall replied. "Did he give you, like a warning he was going to do that?"

Zayn shrugged. "Well he mentioned the dogs last time he called I was distracted and didn't understand half what he said to be honest. In the end I agreed with whatever. Then Doniya messaged me, this was last week mind you, to say she's got the dogs now."

"To be fair, Zayn, your dad had the dogs four years, legally he's their owner now. The way it works, if you give away an animal then you lose the right to claim it as yours. Technically those dogs haven't been yours for a while." Niall told him. "So whats on your mind? You want them back? I would recommend getting yourself another dog, thats less messy and everyone is happy."

"Thanks counsellor I'll take that into advisement." Zayn smiled at him. "But don't worry I don't intend to rock the boat as long as my dogs are settled and happy, that's what's important."

"Baba, can I get a puppy for my birthday? Please?" Elijah asked looking over his shoulder at Zayn.

"I'm sorry, Eli, it's a no." Zayn replied.

"But I'm old enough to take care of a dog on my own. You and daddy won't need to worry, I'm responsible you know that." Elijah relented.

"I know that, Eli."

"Then why can't I get a puppy?" Elijah asked.

"Because, Elijah_" Zayn sighed when his son frowned. It was uncanny how with the cornrows hairstyle Elijah looked so much like him putting the rumour he looks like Harry to bed. "We'll get you a puppy. But not yet, in a years time. Okay? Right now daddy's wound has not healed properly a playful tackle even from a tiny poodle could cause him damage. You understand that right?"

"I understand, baba." Elijah nodded. "Please don't get me a poodle I'll provide you with a list of all dog breeds I like. Heres a thought though, if I can't have a puppy, can I dye my hair blue to compensate?"

"No you cannot dye your hair and you'll get whatever dog we give you. Now keep still I'm not done doing your hair." Zayn moved Elijah's head for him to look forward again. "I'll shave your hair off if you don't know what do with it. How's that for compensation?"

"No thanks, baba. The only hair that's being shaved is my pubes_"

"Keep your voice down, Elijah." Zayn hissed quietly himself. "Wait till your nana is gone before talking that language she can hear you."

"I heard that alright." Anne chuckled. She was sitting to Zayn's left. "There's not enough noise in the room to cancel your conversation. Just so you know, Elijah, Harry used to shave his pubes when he was your age, so rock on, shave your pubes."

"I did not need to hear that." Yasmeen groaned pulling a face. She was sitting next to Anne.

"That's not the only thing he shaved back then_" Anne laughed. "His skin was smooth everywhere_"