the zone ➸ ziam [completed]

seven.

Zayn looks around their back yard from where he's sitting at their patio, ignoring his father's presence, who's mixing his sugar and milk into his tea.

After breakfast, Harry retreated back upstairs to get dressed for the day. He explained to Zayn, that they'll be spending the day at home where his dad would like to explain a few things to him.

Zayn took the time to sadly inform Liam about cancelling their plans for today. The older man had assured Zayn that it was okay and they'd just make it up later in the week.

Zayn looks back at his dad when he clears his throat. Zayn internally rolls his eyes at his father because is it really necessary to wear a suit when they're going to be at home all day?

"I'm just going to get straight to it, alright? And I'm going to explain this the best I can. I just want you to try and listen 'till the very end." Harry starts, looking at Zayn with a certain intensity that confuses his son.

Zayn furrows his brows together as he tries to calculate in his mind what his dad's talking about, he nods his head in the end nonetheless.

"If this- if you're going to talk to me about that woman you were with, you don't have to explain to me. Like- I get you're going to date dad... it was just shocking to me is all." Zayn says as soon as Harry opens his mouth to talk.

Harry frowns before shaking his head, "I wish you'd believe me when I say that, that is definitely not what it looked like."

Zayn doesn't get why his dad is still trying to deny it. He knows what he saw, can remember it clearly really.

"Just- let me say what I need to first alright? That part is definitely going to be the hardest to tell you."

Zayn sighs and nods his head before sitting back in his chair and crossing his arms when a gust of wind hits him.

"I know we've already agreed on you going to public school soon, but I just want you to know it's... it's probably not going to be what you think." Harry states.

Zayn nods but he's confused. His dad wants to talk about him finally being able to go to public school? He didn't really think it was that big of a deal.

Zayn probably knows it won't be all that good but his excitement for actually going to a real school blocks out all the bad that could possibly happen.

"When you get there, you'll probably hear things... about me and my... my life? I just- I want to explain those things to you as best as I can." Harry starts, looking over at Zayn to see his son's confusion all on his face, "There's a group- a secret group of men who've made a pact or-or a vow to protect their loved ones, to always protect their families, no matter what."

"Even if...," Harry sighs, looking down before shaking his head and gazing back up at his son, "Even if that meant hurting others, yeah?"

"This... group is mainly from Italy okay? But- but I'm part of that group just-just here in America." His dad explains, not moving his gaze away from Zayn's who's having a hard time keeping eye contact.

"You're in a gang?" Zayn asks, his voice low and filled with disbelief.

"No. No, that's not it. I'm not in a gang- it's a bit more than that okay?" His dad tries reassuring him but Zayn just shakes his head.

"That's- you said! You hurt people? Why-"

"Zayn, no. I don't hurt people, personally okay? I'm- that's not my role in this-"

"What is your role than? I don't understand. You just- you just hurt people, do you kill? Have you killed someone dad?" Zayn shakes his head as he looks at his dad.