Let Your Good Heart Lead You Home (Zarry AU)

Part 2

It's Monday, probably everyone's least favourite day. To Harry it doesn't matter much; getting up early has never been a struggle for him, especially during summer, when it's still somewhat chilly outside and the heat doesn't make you feel like a wrung out towel.

It also seems more quiet than usual. The people are, anyway. Still not fully woken up and too busy thinking about the upcoming week to bother making any noise. There are more tired nods and mumbled apologies than on any other day, and Harry revels in it.

He likes to walk to work, bag clutched tightly in his hand in case anyone bumps into him. Too many times has he envisioned the scenario of flying paper, his work scattered on the busy road and in the wind, never to be seen again.

No, everything's currently stacked neatly in his little case. This week's cartoons, and even a mini comic that will hopefully impress Harry's boss enough to give him a chance to try different things. It's been too long since he's had a raise. Well, he actually never had one.

The bleak concrete building slowly starts to increase in size until he's standing in front of it, mind already set on getting out of there as fast as possible. Harry's plan is to drop off his work at his boss, sit at his desk until he's called up, and then endure the inevitable criticism until he can go home to start all over again the next day.

His plan is already ruined when his coworker stops him in the hallway with a hand on his shoulder and a look that says 'I've got something to tell you,' which makes Harry grit his teeth.

"Morning, Harold!" He insists on calling Harry that, and it's getting on his nerves.

"Horan," he replies curtly, wondering what anyone could have to say to him on a Monday morning. "How are you?"

''Fine,'' Horan says, following Harry when he starts walking again. ''So, I have a thing.''

''You have a thing.'' Harry throws him an unimpressed look. ''Honestly, you need to be more specific.'' His co-worker hurries after him and he begrudgingly holds open a door that opens into a hallway leading to the conference room. It's quiet in the hallway; everyone is most likely inside, which means Harry will have to drop his work off quietly.

''Okay, well,'' Horan starts, jittering around nervously. ''I'm in a band.'' Harry nods for him to continue, unsure of where this is going. His interest is definitely piqued. ''And we have a gig this Friday night. Just a small place, but I'd like you to be there.''

''Why?'' is the first thing Harry asks, because even if they somewhat get along at work, he wouldn't know why Horan wants to invite him to one of his gigs.

''We need an audience, okay? But you don't have to come if you-''

''I'll be there,'' Harry interrupts, glancing at the door of the conference room and bumping his little case against his leg. ''Should I bring a friend?''

''Really? And yes, bring anyone you want!'' Horan's wide smile is enough for Harry to soften up a bit. There really is something about the lad that makes it impossible to dislike him. ''It's at The Rift. We start at eight.''

''Noted,'' Harry says, tapping the side of his head with his pointer finger. He angles his body towards the door, signalling that he's ready to walk off again.

''Okay, see you then!'' Horan spins around and hurries off, yelling as he closes the door: ''Thanks, Harold!''

''It's Harry!'' he shouts back, but Horan doesn't hear. 

The next update will be on Monday! The chapters will be of varying length as well. I hope you've enjoyed it so far :).

All the love xxx <3