The Bank of Second Chances | Zarry

Chapter 14: No Matter What 🥺

Harry had spent the entire week walking on eggshells, trying to mask his growing anxiety from Zayn. But every time he glanced at his partner, he saw the same unease mirrored in Zayn's eyes. Both of them were waiting for the results of the paternity test, a looming presence that had settled over their household like a storm cloud.

It was Thursday now, and Zayn was at work. Harry, however, was at home, feeling increasingly nauseous. He paced the living room, the clock ticking loudly in the silence. Arlo, their beautiful baby boy, was napping peacefully in his crib, blissfully unaware of the turmoil that his parents were experiencing.

Harry's thoughts swirled in an endless loop of what-ifs. He knew that getting pregnant with Arlo had been a miracle. He never imagined that he would run into and fall in love with someone who might be the biological father of his child. The odds were astronomical, but here they were. The stress of it all was making Harry physically ill.

He had discussed with Zayn how the results wouldn't change their relationship, but deep down, Harry knew that wasn't entirely true. If Zayn turned out to be Arlo's biological father, it would change everything. And if he wasn't, Harry feared Zayn would be heartbroken.

The phone rang, startling Harry out of his thoughts. It was the pediatrician's office.

"Hello, this is Harry," he answered, his voice trembling slightly.

"Hello, Mr. Styles. We have the results of the paternity test. Are you available to pick them up today?"

Harry's heart pounded. "Actually, could we come in tomorrow afternoon? My partner, Zayn, is at work, and I think we'd prefer to hear the news together."

"Of course. We can schedule you for tomorrow at 2 PM."

"Thank you," Harry said before hanging up. He let out a shaky breath and leaned against the wall for support.

---

At work, Zayn was trying to focus on his new job, but his mind kept drifting to the paternity test. During a break, he scrolled through his phone, looking at pictures of Arlo and Harry. They had built a beautiful life together, but the uncertainty was eating him alive. He felt a pang of uneasiness and ran a hand through his hair, trying to calm himself.

Instinctively, he did what he always did in moments of stress: he called his mother.

"Mum?!"

"Hey, sunshine. What's wrong, baby?"

Zayn took a deep breath. "I'm okay, Mum. I just..."

"Is everything okay with you and Harry?"

Zayn paused, struggling to find the right words. "It's not what you think," he began hesitantly. He then explained the bizarre situation to his mother – how Harry had conceived Arlo through IVF using the same clinic where Zayn had donated sperm sometime ago.

Trisha listened patiently, her voice calm and soothing. "Zayn, that's quite a situation. But you need to remember one thing: no matter what the test says, it doesn't change the love you have for Harry or for Arlo. You've already built a bond with that little boy that's stronger than blood."

"But what if I'm not his biological father?" Zayn asked, his voice cracking. "I don't know how I'll handle that."

Trisha's tone was firm yet gentle. "Zayn, being a father isn't just about biology. It's about being there, loving, and supporting. You've done all of that and more. If you're not his biological father, it doesn't diminish the role you've played in his life. And if you are, then you'll have even more reason to celebrate the family you've created with Harry."

Zayn sighed, feeling a bit of the weight lift from his shoulders. "You're right, Mom. It's just hard not knowing."

"I know, sweetheart. But you and Harry are strong. You'll get through this together. Just trust in your love for each other and for Arlo."

"Thanks, Mom. I really needed to hear that."

"Anytime, Zayn. I love you."

"I love you too, Mum."

---

When Zayn returned home that evening, Harry was waiting for him. He looked up as Zayn walked through the door, a mixture of anxiety and relief on his face.

"Hey," Harry said softly.

"Hey," Zayn replied, kicking off his shoes and walking over to Harry. "How are you feeling?"

Harry shrugged. "Nervous. The pediatrician's office called today. We have an appointment tomorrow at 2 PM to get the results."

Zayn nodded, his expression somber. "Okay. We'll face it together."

Harry took a deep breath. "Zayn, I know we said the results wouldn't change anything, but we'd be naive to think that, wouldn't we?"

Zayn looked into Harry's eyes, his own filled with uncertainty. "Yeah, I suppose so. If I am Arlo's biological father, it changes things. And if I'm not... I don't know how I'll feel."

Harry reached out and took Zayn's hand. "We'll figure it out, no matter what. I'm just scared. I've always thought of Arlo as mine, and I don't know how to share that."

Zayn squeezed Harry's hand. "I understand. I love you both so much. We'll navigate this together, okay?"

Harry nodded, tears brimming in his eyes. "Okay."

---

The next day, Harry and Zayn could barely contain their anticipation. They arrived at the pediatrician's office early, their nerves palpable. Arlo, sensing the tension, clutched his "duck" plushie tightly.

The doctor finally entered the room, holding a folder. Harry felt his stomach churn, and Zayn looked as if all the color had drained from his face.

"Mr. Styles, Mr. Malik," the doctor began, "we have the results of the paternity test."

Harry and Zayn held their breath.

"The test confirms that Zayn is indeed the biological father of Arlo."

For a moment, the room was completely silent. Arlo, usually so full of energy, was quiet, sensing the gravity of the moment. Then, Zayn broke down in tears, pulling Harry and Arlo into his arms.

He cried for many things – for closure, for the haunting suspicions that had plagued him, for the unknown, for their family, for Harry, and for his son.

"Arlo is my son," Zayn whispered through his tears, holding them tightly. "He's our son, Harry."

Harry felt his own tears fall as he clung to Zayn. "Yes, he is. Our beautiful boy."

As Zayn and Harry held each other, Arlo began to whimper, confused by the emotional display. His big eyes filled with tears, and he clung tighter to duck.

"Dada," he murmured, his small voice trembling.

Harry gently lifted Arlo into his arms, cradling him close. "It's okay, baby. Daddy and Baba are just happy. We love you so much."

"Baba?" Arlo said while staring at Zayn with a questioning look.

Zayn brushed his tears away and kissed Arlo's forehead. "That's right, Arlo. I'm your Baba. And god do we love you more than anything."

Arlo's tears slowed as he nestled into Harry's chest, still holding Duck tightly. He looked up at Zayn with wide eyes and reached out a hand.

Zayn took Arlo's tiny hand in his own, feeling the warmth and connection between them. "We're a family, Arlo. Nothing will ever change that."

They held each other for what felt like an eternity, the weight of the world lifting from their shoulders as they embraced the future together, united as one.