Let Your Good Heart Lead You Home (Zarry AU)

Part 16

Waiting is not one of his strong suits. Not that it's ever been a problem, he's always thought of himself as somewhat patient, willing enough to wait for some things, but this... He's continuously checking any possible news source for developments. There was an article about himself and he quickly skimmed that to make sure the Artist would get the message. Harry was happy to see the writer of the article did their job and conveyed the message just right. But now Harry's waiting, getting anxious for a response. It's the worst kind of waiting and just the kind he is bad at. Maybe because he's had too much experience with it. He doesn't like thinking about all the unanswered emails to his sister. Doesn't want to know what it means.

Harry shocks himself when his best friend calls and he responds in an unfriendly manner, because he's agitated and impatient. It's been a week without any news.

''Whoa, what's got your knickers in a bunch?'' Liam sounds affronted, and Harry feels guilty right away.

''It's nothing. Just frustrated, I'm sorry.'' Harry repositions himself on his couch and considers the possibility that he might be getting slightly obsessed. No, it's not that bad. Plus, he has a good reason; it's important to know if this person is going to cause any trouble and if-

''Are you listening?''

''What?'' Harry blurts, realising he must have tuned out of the conversation.

''You didn't get any of that, did you?'' Liam sighs heavily, but he doesn't really sound annoyed. ''In short; I talked to Louis and now he wants to talk to you to sort things out.''

''You really like him, don't you?'' Harry knows his best friend, and he also knows Liam wouldn't go to such lengths if he didn't feel something for a person. Him trying to fix things between Harry and Louis obviously means he sees a future, somewhere.

''Guess I do.''

''You don't sound so sure.'' There's a long pause, a Liam-is-thinking-pause that Harry knows not to disturb.

''It's just so different. He is different.''

Harry twirls one of his curls around his finger, listening intently. ''Good or bad different?''

''Good, definitely. In all of my previous relationships, I've never felt challenged. Like, they were too much like me, in a way. It was safe, yeah. Comfortable, but...'' Liam trails off, as if he isn't sure what words he's looking for.

''There was no fire,'' Harry says for him. ''They became too much like a friendship.''

''Yeah, that.'' Liam's voice sounds small. Past relationships is a sensitive subject for him.

''He complements you. In just the right way. That's difficult to find.'' Even if Harry might not get along with Louis, he's willing to try for his best friend.

''You think so?''

''Yes,'' Harry says, and he means it. He would never agree with Liam just to please him, not if his happiness is at stake.

''Thank you, means a lot.'' Liam takes a deep breath and Harry can hear the closing of a door in the background. ''All right, let me know when you've got time so we can set something up for you and Lou.''

Harry rubs his eyes tiredly. ''Will do.''

''Goodnight.''

Harry hangs up after wishing Liam a good night and simply sits on his couch, staring at the phone in his hand. He's caught in one of those rare moments when he's suddenly aware of his life moving forward, of others moving forward. Things are changing, even now, even when he's not in school anymore and has no more big steps to take. Maybe there are steps he hasn't anticipated. There are things he hasn't and couldn't see coming.

What on earth could come next?

Next chapter will be up tomorrow, since this one was very short. And uneventful. Sorry about that :)

All the love xxx <3