Let Your Good Heart Lead You Home (Zarry AU)

Part 10

''Huh, looks like Bane's getting creative.''

It's Monday, again, and Niall just arrived at Harry's desk with a newspaper in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. For a moment Harry's distracted, thinking they must have finally fixed the coffee machine, when what Niall's said kicks in.

''He what?'' Harry blurts, stunned. Niall seems to ignore the odd reaction in favor of reading the article. In the meantime, Harry tries to rack his brain. He can't remember killing anyone, and he's never gotten blackouts.

''Wait, no-'' Niall pauses, raising his brows as he scans the article again. ''This guy's different. But he used the symbol.'' He drops the paper in front of Harry. ''Think they're working together?''

If Harry was working with anyone, he'd know. The article reveals that there has been a murder in Atlanta, where they seem to have a pest of their own who goes by 'The Artist'. Normally he just paints bloody murals, but this time they used Harry's symbol.

''He paints bloody murals? What a pretentious arsehole,'' Harry fumes, dropping the paper on his desk. Is this guy trying to one-up him? Mock him? Whatever he's doing, it's not funny.

''Relax, man. At least he's far off.'' Niall shakes his head. ''Wouldn't dream of having that kind of crazy walking around here, you know.''

''Yeah,'' Harry breathes, trying to control his anger. ''Rather have Bane.''

Niall shrugs, already appearing bored with the topic. ''Whatever. He only targets criminals, so I know I'm safe from him.'' Harry observes him as he sips on his coffee, brows knitting together. ''Although, he's technically a criminal himself. What's that one quote?''

''Really,'' Harry scoffs. ''You'll have to be more specific than that.''

''Something about becoming a villain.'' Niall takes his paper and carefully folds it, downing the last bit of coffee in his mug.

''You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain?'' Harry offers, leaning back in his seat.

''Yeah! What's that from?''

''Batman. I think.'' He really hasn't watched that movie in a very long time.

Niall nods slowly. ''Let's hope he doesn't become the evil he's trying to eradicate.''

''You sound almost poetic, Niall,'' Harry quips, grinning widely. Niall whacks him on the head with his newspaper.

''Maybe I'll send a message to Bane and tell him how much of a pain in the ass you are.'' Niall hits him on the head again for good measure before walking off with his head held high, obviously pretending he doesn't hear Harry laughing. Niall always pretends he doesn't put up with Harry's shit, but secretly he loves it. Harry can tell.

He grabs a pencil, tapping the back of it on his desk in annoyance. With Niall gone - for now, anyway - his mind is free to roam again, with his first thought landing on The Artist. Honestly, Harry feels like they're trying to steal the spotlight. They're undoing his hard work by distracting people from the purpose. What on earth do they think they're doing? What do they want? Is this a direct message to Harry?

With a groan he releases his pencil, pressing his fingers to his temples. All these questions. Above anything, he just feels like he's being made fun of, and he won't have that.

Time to start researching again.

These chapters have been awfully short but the next one will be a bit longer :) It will be up on Monday!

Until then xxx <3