Let Your Good Heart Lead You Home (Zarry AU)

Part 4

Harry can't wait for that day to arrive. Already his back is clammy with sweat, the loose fabric of his sheer blouse sticking to the damp spots on his skin. Warily, he looks around The Rift; a nightclub-venue hybrid with not enough room to dance and sticky tables that smell like beer no matter what other drink you spill on them.

It's not how he spends his typical Friday. Liam is standing next to him, nodding his head slightly off-beat to the generic music while they're waiting for the first band to start playing. Horan had failed to mention there would be multiple bands, and since Harry had no name, he doesn't actually know which one they're waiting for.

He shifts his weight and takes a swig from the cool beer, ignoring the bitter taste it leaves in his mouth. Liam elbows him in the side and nods to the stage where people are already taking place at the instruments. More people seem to catch on and the chatter is slowly replaced by cheers, increasing rapidly in volume when the stage lights spring on to reveal a man at the microphone. He seems about Harry's age, with messy brown hair and a mischievous grin aimed at the audience.

''We're The Rogues,'' the man introduces them, and Harry is surprised by his voice; it's higher than he imagined it would be, but it also has something unique. When he looks at the rest of the band, he finally notices Horan with a guitar in his hands, appearing somewhat nervous.

''That's him,'' Harry yells in Liam's ear and points at Horan, who's now bouncing up and down with a gleeful look on his face. Liam nods, sparing Horan a glance before his eyes are back on the lead singer again. The band finally starts playing, an energetic rock song to get everyone warmed up, but Harry is more occupied with Liam and his friend's unwavering stare directed at the stage. Or a certain someone on it.

''Fancy someone?'' Harry asks teasingly above the loud music, grinning when Liam throws him a confused look.

Liam shakes his head. ''They're good,'' he says, eyes flickering between the lead singer and Harry. Definitely interested. Harry throws him a skeptical look, but says nothing.

They really are good, though. There's a pleasant energy in the air and the songs are easy on the ears. By the time they finished their set Harry's on his third beer and positively buzzing, feeling more alive than ever. Usually he doesn't like crowds, but this is different. This feels open and relaxed. His mind drifts off until he's pulled back by a hand on his arm, warm and sturdy. When he blinks, he sees Liam pointing somewhere.

Horan is walking through the crowd, with the lead singer in tow. Harry automatically raises his hand, beckoning him over and ignoring the panicked noise Liam makes when his friend follows. ''You'll be fine,'' Harry convinces Liam, patting him firmly on the shoulder.

''Harold! You made it!'' Horan cheers, dragging his friend closer to the table and slinging an arm around his shoulder. ''This is Louis.''

''Hi, I'm Harry. This here is Liam,'' Harry narrows his eyes at Horan and puts extra emphasis on his own name in hopes of not being called Harold anymore. The man was either stubborn or stupid. Maybe both.

''Nice to meet you, Liam,'' Louis says extending his hand with a wink. For a moment Harry's afraid Liam is too flustered to take it, but he does so without turning entirely tomato-red. ''And Harry.'' He doesn't get a wink, which only bodes well for Liam.

Horan seems oblivious to the exchange, tilting his head closer to Harry. ''Thanks for coming, I hope you enjoyed the show?''

''It was good,'' Harry replies, smiling tentatively at his co-worker. ''Who knew you could play guitar like that, Horan?''

''Call me Niall.''

''Niall, then.'' Harry's eyes flicker to the new band on stage before settling on Niall again. He's starting to feel more like a friend. They could potentially get along. He's not sure yet. ''So, how'd you get in a band?''

Niall laughs briefly, a happy, bubbly sound that makes Harry smile along. ''I know right, how does a boring office person get in a band?!''

Harry shakes his head. ''You're hardly boring.'' He takes a swig of his beer, turning his head to glance at Liam, who seems to be getting along with Louis very well. If the way they're in each other's space is anything to go by. ''And you don't seem like the office type.''

Niall shrugs. ''Well, I work at a newspaper,'' he says, like that's supposed to explain anything.

''You do the sports section..'' Harry trails off, biting his lip and frowning. ''Not that - I'm not saying that's a bad thing.''

''You ever actually read it?'' Niall asks, sipping from his own drink with a raised eyebrow.

''Um, no.''

''Then don't judge the sports section!'' Niall narrows his eyes at Harry, but there's no real contempt there. He seems like a good spirit.

''I wouldn't dare.'' Harry bites his lip to keep from smiling, but he knows his eyes betray him. Liam is then pulling at his sleeve, demanding his attention.

''Harry, we're going to the front,'' Liam says, motioning towards the stage. His cheeks are pink, eyes bright with happiness. Harry nods, patting his cheek before squeezing his shoulder and pushing him off with a wave.

Niall places his elbows on their table, looking after Louis and Liam with a smug smile on his face. ''Those two seem to get along well.''

Harry nods, setting his finished beer on the table with an empty thud, almost lost in the music and chatter. ''I'm heading to the restroom,'' he says, trying to spot a way through the crowd.

''I'll be here. Don't get lost,'' Niall laughs, earning a glare from Harry.

It takes some pushing and squeezing before he finally reaches the poorly lit restroom, which seems strangely empty for an event like this. Only one stall is occupied, but other than that he's the only one in here. Harry walks to the faucets, wetting his hands and pressing them to his cheeks. It's cool, not quite enough, but better.

He watches himself in the mirror, the flush in his cheeks and tired look in his eyes. Only he can see the latter; recognises it from so many other days. Plus, he knows himself. Or he likes to think so, anyway. The thought of maybe not knowing himself seems daunting, or not knowing who he's going to be. He's already making changes. Subtle ones that will help him with the big ones.

Maybe he's not so much making changes as just preparing. For the future. There's a shift happening, which is purely a gut feeling, but reason enough for Harry. Liam would definitely worry if he confessed any of this, although Liam doesn't nearly know everything about Harry.

Some things really are best kept secret.    

Next update will be on Wednesday! Thank you to everyone reading so far :) There's still a lot to come!

Until then xxx <3