The Bank of Second Chances | Zarry

Chapter 13: Zayn, Don't Cry 🥹

Living together full-time for two months had been a whirlwind for Zayn and Harry. Navigating their relationship while taking care of Arlo was a daily adventure, filled with small triumphs and occasional challenges. They had just hit the six-month mark as a couple, and today brought a new test of their growing family dynamics: Arlo's eighteen-month check-up. Zayn felt a knot of anxiety in his stomach as they arrived at the pediatrician's office.

He had never been particularly good with doctors, and the thought of Arlo getting shots made him even more nervous. Harry, on the other hand, seemed calm and collected. He had been through this process before and knew what to expect. As they entered the waiting room, Arlo clung tightly to Zayn, his little hands gripping Zayn's shirt. He was unusually fussy, his normally cheerful demeanor replaced by a whimpering insistence to be held. Zayn cuddled him close, trying to offer comfort. Arlo's favorite toy, a plush Harry Potter figure inexplicably renamed "Duck," was tucked securely under his arm. "Hey, it's okay, buddy," Zayn whispered, bouncing Arlo gently. "We're just here for a check-up. You'll be fine." Harry smiled at them, appreciating the tender scene. He knew today would be tough on both Arlo and Zayn. Seeing Zayn so invested in Arlo's well-being made his heart swell with love. After a few minutes, a nurse called them back to the examination room.

The room was brightly colored with murals of animals on the walls, designed to put children at ease. Zayn, however, felt his anxiety ratchet up another notch. He sat on the exam table with Arlo in his lap, trying to stay calm. The door opened, and Dr. Martinez walked in, her demeanor warm and reassuring. "Hello, Arlo! How are you today?" she greeted, giving him a friendly smile. Turning to Zayn, she added, "You ready, Dad?" Zayn blinked, taken aback by the title. He glanced at Harry, who just giggled and said, "I think they're both as ready as they can be."

Dr. Martinez took out the necessary tools: a stethoscope, otoscope, and the dreaded needles for the vaccinations. Arlo seemed momentarily distracted by the stethoscope, allowing Dr. Martinez to listen to his heart and lungs without fuss. But as soon as the needles came into view, Zayn's heart began to race. "Alright, Zayn, I'm going to need you to hold Arlo steady for these shots," Dr. Martinez instructed. Zayn nodded, trying to keep his hands from trembling. He held Arlo close, whispering soothing words and showing him Duck to keep him distracted. But Arlo, sensing the impending discomfort, squirmed and whimpered. Dr. Martinez moved swiftly, administering the shots with practiced efficiency. Arlo's reaction was immediate. He let out an ear-piercing squeal, his face turning bright red as tears streamed down his cheeks. Zayn felt his own eyes fill with tears, the sight of Arlo in pain more than he could bear. He blinked furiously, trying to keep his composure, but a few tears escaped.

Harry, seeing his two boys in distress, stepped in. He gently took Arlo from Zayn, rubbing his back and whispering calming words. "Shh, it's okay, little guy. It's all over now. You're such a brave boy." Dr. Martinez gave them a sympathetic smile. "I'll give you a moment to calm him down," she said, leaving the room to give them some privacy. Zayn wiped his eyes, feeling a mix of embarrassment and relief. "Sorry about that, Harry. I don't know what came over me." "It's okay, Zayn," Harry said, chuckling softly. "It happens. It's tough seeing him upset, but he's okay now. Look." Arlo had stopped crying, his tears replaced by soft hiccups. He nestled into Harry's chest, one tiny hand clutching Duck. After a few moments, he turned back to Zayn, reaching out with a small, chubby hand. "Can I hold him?" Zayn asked, his voice still shaky. "Of course," Harry replied, passing Arlo over. Arlo snuggled into Zayn's arms, his little fingers clutching at Zayn's shirt. Zayn felt his heart swell with love and protectiveness. He kissed the top of Arlo's head, whispering, "You're so brave, Arlo. I'm so proud of you." Harry watched them with a smile, but Zayn could see a hint of worry in his eyes.

There was something he needed to address, something that had been gnawing at him since their last conversation about Arlo's paternity. "Hey, Harry," Zayn said hesitantly. "While we're here, do you think we can, maybe, get a test? Like, for peace of mind?" Harry's expression shifted to one of concern. "Are you sure, Zayn? I thought we talked about this." "I just want to know, you know? It's been on my mind ever since my dad mentioned it. I know it won't change anything about our family dynamic, but I'm curious," Zayn explained, his words tumbling out in a rush. Harry took a deep breath, feeling a knot of anxiety in his stomach. He had hoped this day wouldn't come, but he understood Zayn's need for certainty. "Okay, if it will help put your mind at ease. Let's do it." Zayn gave him a grateful look, and Harry walked to the door to call for a nurse. When she arrived, he explained their request. The nurse nodded, her expression professional and kind. "We can do that here. It will just take a few minutes to collect the samples. We'll need a cheek swab from both of you." Zayn's heart pounded as the nurse prepared the materials. Arlo, sensing the tension, clung tightly to Zayn, who did his best to reassure him. Harry held Zayn's hand, offering silent support. The nurse swabbed Arlo's cheek first, the process quick and painless. Arlo squirmed a little but remained mostly calm. Next, she turned to Zayn, who opened his mouth obediently. The swab was over in a matter of seconds, but the weight of what it represented hung heavily in the air. "There we go," the nurse said, sealing the samples. "We'll send these off to the lab. You should have the results in a week or so." "Thank you," Harry said, his voice steady despite the nerves he felt.

As they left the doctor's office, Zayn felt a mixture of relief and anxiety. He knew the test wouldn't change his love for Arlo or his commitment to their family, but the uncertainty had been gnawing at him for too long. He needed to know.

***

Back home, they settled into their evening routine. Harry made dinner while Zayn played with Arlo, the little boy's laughter filling the apartment. Despite the tension of the day, there was a sense of normalcy, of family. Later, after Arlo was asleep, Zayn and Harry sat on the couch, wrapped in each other's arms. The TV played quietly in the background, but neither of them was really watching.

"Thank you for today," Zayn said softly, breaking the silence. "I know it was a lot to ask." Harry kissed Zayn's forehead, his heart full of love. "You don't have to thank me, Zayn. We're in this together, remember? No matter what the test says, we're a family. That's what matters." Zayn nodded, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over him. "I know. I just... I needed to know. For myself." "And that's okay," Harry said, squeezing Zayn's hand. "We'll get through this, just like we've gotten through everything else."

As they sat there, the weight of the day slowly lifting, Zayn felt a sense of peace. Whatever the test results revealed, he knew he had Harry and Arlo. They were building a life together, one filled with love, laughter, and the promise of a bright future. And in that moment, surrounded by the warmth of their home and the love of his family, Zayn knew he was exactly where he was meant to be.