A race to your heart (Zarry AU)

28.- Family & Friends 🏁

Harry's POV

For the first time in what felt like forever, I felt like I could finally breathe. I had no idea what the future with him held, or what challenges we would face, but I knew that as long as we were together, we could face anything. He had made his choice, and I knew without a doubt that it was the right one. We belong together there's no doubt about that.

After spending last night with Zayn, everything felt surreal. It was as if the weight of the world had been lifted off our shoulders. I woke up to Zayn still sleeping beside me, his chest rising and falling gently. The room was filled with a soft glow from the early morning sun filtering through the curtains. I quietly slipped out of bed, careful not to wake him, and made my way to the window.

I took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. I knew the road ahead was going to be challenging, but for the first time in a long while, I felt hopeful.

"Morning," Zayn's voice startled me. I turned to see him stirring in the bed, a sleepy smile on his face.

"Morning," I replied, smiling back. He joined me to watch the awaking city, wrapping his arms around me from behind.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, his chin resting on my shoulder.

"Better," I admitted. "But we have a lot to figure out."

He nodded. "Yeah, we do. But we'll do it together."

Later that day, we decided to take a walk, disguised under hoodies and sunglasses, hoping to go unnoticed. We strolled through the city, talking about everything and nothing, just enjoying each other's company. As the day progressed, we knew we couldn't hide forever. It was time to come back to our careers.

The Brazil GP had been an intense whirlwind of adrenaline and emotion. Winning the race felt like a significant victory, but the real challenge lay ahead. As the celebrations died down and the lights of the racetrack dimmed, I knew it was time to face our families.

Between the couple of weeks between Brazil and Vegas we decided to travel to Bradford.

Both of our parents had always been supportive of our careers, but this was different. Zayn was about to share a part of himself that he had kept hidden for far too long. My stomach churned with a mix of anxiety as we boarded the flight home.

When we arrived at Zayn's parent's house, the familiar warmth of his home washed over me, like we were lads but it couldn't fully quell the nervous energy bubbling within. His mother greeted us at the door, her eyes lighting up with love.

"My sunshine," she said to him, wrapping him in a tight hug. "We're so happy to have you here."

"Thanks, Mom," Zayn replied, trying to keep his voice steady.

"Hi, Harry. It's so nice to see you too," she said hugging me tight as well.

"Good to see you too, Trisha," I said.

Zayn's father was in the living room, watching a replay of our last race. He stood up and gave him a firm handshake, pulling him into a hug.

"Well done, son," he said. "You've made us so proud with all your winnings."

"Thanks, Dad," he said, my heart pounding in my chest.

"Hi, Harry. Good results too," he said to me and I just thanked him.

After having lunch Zayn decided to take the plunge and get this over with.

"Can we talk? There's something important I need to tell you both."

"I better... leave. I have to see my parents too and you should be alone to do this," I said.

We exchanged glances, concern flickering in our eyes, and nodded.