All I've Ever Known

29 - Harry

Harry had just finished pouring the last bag of chips into a bowl, he placed it with the multiple other items lining the kitchen counter when the doorbell rang. He hurried over to the security system, checked the car at the gate and buzzed Niall's car in.

"Babe! Boys are here!" Harry yelled up the stairs to his boyfriend.

Since the trial ended a few days ago, Harry had never been happier, he and Louis had been out to both their families houses to spend much needed time with them. Harry was so excited to finally be able to visit Gemma and introduce Louis to his beautiful niece. Louis then returning the favour and Harry had met Lottie's son, Lucky, and Phoebe's new baby who was only a few weeks old and so beautiful. Both Harry and Louis had teared up when holding her, a knowing look shared between the pair as they gave her cuddles and kisses all day. They had both missed their families so much, Harry had especially missed his mum. Anne had been so wonderful with Louis, giving him so many hugs throughout the day they spent there, making sure he knew that he could always count on her when he needed a mother's love. When she had said as much, Louis had bursted into tears and embraced her for a long time.

A loud knock at the door pulled him out of his daydream, Harry hurried over and pulled it open revealing his former band mates.

"Haz!" Niall exclaimed, pulling him in for a tight hug, Harry let a smile split over his face, Liam's warm but hesitant eyes meeting his own for a moment.

"Payno" Harry nodded, giving him a quick embrace, the blood draining from his face as his eyes met another pair over Liam's shoulder.

"Hi Harry", Zayn's hesitant smile didn't quite reach his eyes as Harry stood in the doorway in front of him.

"Harry-" Liam started, Niall quickly coughing cutting him off.

Harry stood his ground staring at Zayn in disbelief, he immediately thought of Louis and what his reaction would be, surely, he would be slightly happy to see his former best friend right? Maybe after the initial shock of his presence wore off. Zayn looked well, much healthier and happier than when Harry had seen him years ago. Harry shook his head slightly as Zayn glanced behind him, his expression turning into a true 'deer caught in headlights'. Harry whipped his head around to see Louis standing statue-like in the entrance way, giving Zayn a cold stare. Harry's head was turning back and forth between the pair of them, not knowing whether to run into Louis' arms or shove the door closed in Zayn's face.

Louis let out a deep sigh, rubbing his hand over his face, "I hope you at least brought alcohol" he said stiffly.

Zayn snickered, slowly raising a bottle of expensive vodka in his hand as if in peace offering. Louis beckoned him in with a wave of his hand and a grunt. Harry gave Zayn a small smile and pat on the shoulder in passing. Harry hung back for a second, letting everyone gather in the kitchen as his eyes met Louis' from across the room. You okay? He asked with concern laced in his eyes, Louis gave him a small nod.

Louis quickly screwed open the bottle of vodka presented by Zayn, taking a deep sip straight from it and placing it on the counter. Louis and Zayn studied each other for a beat, Zayn shuffling his feet uncomfortably as Harry, Liam and Niall looked on in apprehension.

"Fuck" Louis muttered under his breath, his eyes unwavering on Zayn's face, "Why are you here?" He asked in annoyance.

"I invited him", Liam spoke quickly, Niall shoving him harshly in the ribs making him groan slightly in pain.

"I asked him to bring me", Zayn spoke hurriedly.

"Begged more like it", Niall said kindly, though his words echoed in the silent house.