Forget Me Not (Zayn/Harry; Mpreg AU)

2 - It continues

The weeks move slow, much to Harry's chagrin. He follows the same boring routine of work, school and sleep littered with a few insults, hunger and pain here and there. It's frustrating and tiresome but Harry's pulling through with the knowledge that all of this will be over soon.

At the moment, the young lad is finishing up his shift at the diner. He is currently rinsing the last plate and then stacks it up on top of a clean pile. Satisfied with his work, Harry wipes his hands dry on a towel, goes to the employee lounge to hang his apron up and then grabs his school bag from his locker. He says a quick goodbye to his co-workers and then his employer before he takes the short trip to his school.

Upon entering the gates, Harry immediately stiffens, his back straight and hands trembling. He hopes for a clean escape from cold blue eyes and a taunting smile. Alas, fate enjoys his misery.

"Well, if it isn't my dear sweet brother, Harry," the brunette sneers, turning all the way to face Harry with a humorless chuckle. His name is Jakob Tilley, Harry's adopted brother, with the same age, who mercilessly picks on him at home and at school. Beside Jakob are his friends from the football team, the jocks. They all join in the mocking laughter. "We were waiting for you! What took you so long, huh?"

"Work," Harry murmurs. He tries to push past the athletic bodies blocking his entrance to the school but, ultimately, end up on his arse on the ground. He is surrounded by more laughter and then Jakob's face in front of him.

"You better give me money or I'll be forced to pound your face in."

"I," Harry pauses and clears his throat. The words to defend himself are sitting on the tip of his tongue but he cannot seem to find the courage to say them. "I haven't received my pay."

Jakob frowns and violently shoves Harry. The young lad falls and hits his head against the cement, hard enough that he sees stars and feels nauseous. He expects more hits to come, however, an unfamiliar voice interrupts the jocks' fun.

"Hey! What do you think you're doing?"

One of Jakob's friends pull at his arm. "C'mon, Jake. Nerd's not worth the trouble with coach. Let's go!"

"This is not over yet, bro," Jakob hisses.

Harry hears their footsteps retreat towards the other direction. Despite the slight reprieve, Harry knows he'll be getting it at home later. With a sigh, he sits up and rubs the painful growing bump on the back of his head.

Someone kneels beside him and places a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, you alright?"

Harry turns his head to the side and sees sparkling blue eyes, so unlike Jakob's, short blond hair and colorful rubber on metal braces. He knows this lad, notices him in the hallways often but he hasn't talked to him, ever.

"I'm fine."

The blond nods and straightens up. He offers a hand out to Harry, which the boy accepts to pull himself up.

"Thanks."

"No problem, mate. I'm Niall Horan, by the way."

"Harry Styles."

Despite being a part of the Tilley family for all 18 years of his life, not once has Harry used or been permitted to use their last name. Lilian always tells him to use his own surname in order to not taint or soil the Tilley's reputation with his idiocy. To Harry, it's more than alright because why would he classify himself as a member of the Tilley family when all they have ever done to him is treat him like dirt underneath their expensive shoes?

"I know you," Niall says once they've reached their respective lockers, which to Harry's surprise are only adjacent to each other. "You're in my French class both last year and this year."

"I...am?" Harry asks, confused. He closes his eyes and slouches, getting ready for the anger that he knows the other lad will feel after his next words. "I didn't know. I haven't seen you?"

Laughter. Harry is shocked to hear laughter instead of angry insults hurtled his way in response. He turns to Niall and sees blue eyes regarding him with amusement. "That's because you're always buried in books, mate. Whenever I see you, you're either reading or studying. I wanted to introduce myself but I also didn't want to bother you."

A strange feeling of warmth envelops Harry's entire being. He hasn't been able to meet someone who is so considerate of his feelings before. It's new.

"I'm glad I got to you on time, by the way," Niall continues despite Harry's silence. He pulls a few books out of his locker and closes it. "I've always hated how Jakob treats you. He's a bloody wanker."

Harry cracks a small smile, sort of weak for he knows his facial muscles have no idea how to properly do one because when you're Harry Styles, there isn't a single reason in your life to smile and feel happy, even existing is a task. "Thanks," he murmurs. "Niall."

It doesn't matter, Harry realizes in the next second, for Niall Horan's wide, pleased grin is enough for the two of them. "You're welcome, Harry!"

When his own papers and books are secured, Harry locks his locker and turns to face Niall. "What's your next class?"

"Sociology," Niall whines. "Tell me you've got that as well? Wait. Don't answer that because I know you don't."

Harry chuckles quietly, surprising himself. "I've got photography."

If possible, Niall's grin turns wider at Harry's laughter. The blond looks quite accomplished. "Lucky!"

"A bit."

Seeing as their rooms are on the same building and floor, Niall and Harry decide to walk together towards their classes. On the way, Harry realizes how much Niall's company has lifted the weight pressing down on his shoulders. Harry has a proper friend now and not just someone who needs him for their homework or for answers in exams.

"I'll see you at lunch?" Niall asks Harry, big, blue eyes hopeful.

"I don't really eat lunch," Harry tells him and feels bad when Niall's face falls in disappointment. "But, I guess I'll do today."

Niall jumps up, pumping his fist in the air. "Wicked!" he cheers. "See you later, Harrygator!"

Harry bursts out laughing, this loud, hearty laugh that Niall couldn't help but join. The two new friends laugh together near the doorway to Niall's Sociology classroom, a good start to their friendship.