Forget Me Not (Zayn/Harry; Mpreg AU)

13 - An approaching storm

"Good evening, Zayn," Harry greets as soon as Zayn steps inside his flat. He pauses with his task of washing the dishes and dries his hand. Then, he moves to properly welcome Zayn, kissing him softly on the lips. "How was your day?"

There is a noticeable sadness around Zayn that Harry couldn't help but notice, especially in the grim line of his lips. He sighs heavily at Harry's question, plopping face first into the couch. Worried, Harry kneels infront of Zayn, threading his fingers through the older lad's messy hair.

"What's wrong?"

Zayn groans. "My parents."

"What about them, babe?" Harry asks. He pets Zayn's head gently in comfort, wanting nothing more than for those golden irises to look into his. "Zayn? I'm sorry for being pushy, but I really need you to talk to me. I'm getting worried because this isn't like you."

The hard line of Zayn's shoulders deflates at Harry's words. He sits up slowly and faces Harry with stormy eyes.

"They had me meet up with Gigi earlier," Zayn mutters, irritated. He frowns deeply. "I thought it was just something like a friendly lunch or maybe another deal with the Hadid's marketing firm or summat. But, I should've known better. My parents don't dilly dally and do friendly lunch meetings."

For some reason, Harry feels dread creep up his spine and settle there.

"They want the marriage to go back on," Zayn whispers, voice breaking. "They think its the best move for both of our companies, especially since none of us - Gigi and I - seemed to be in a committed relationship. It'll facilitate a smoother merge and all that bullshit."

"Erm, what are you, uh, going to do?" Harry fears Zayn's answer.

"Fuck them," Zayn scoffs. He has his determined face on as he crosses his arms over his chest. "If they seriously think that I'm going to be their business puppet again, then they're wrong. As cliché as it is, I'm not going to marry someone that I don't love."

Harry sits beside Zayn, rubbing soothing circles on his back. "Alright. I'm here if you need me, okay?"

"I know." Zayn kisses Harry's cheek. "I've got an idea, babe."

Harry perks up. "Lay it on me."

"I want you to join us for dinner," Zayn says. The expression on his face is that of genuine belief, perhaps in his mind he thinks this'll definitely solve his problems. "I want my parents to meet you."

The color on Harry's face drains quickly. He looks faint. "Are you...are you sure?"

"Yes. I think this is the right time, Haz."

Harry shivers a bit despite the summer heat, nervous beyond words. He wants to say no, curl up on Zayn's side and tell him how terrible this idea is. However, the look of hope and joy on Zayn's face is lovely and Harry doesn't want to be the one to wipe it out. "O-okay then."

Zayn grins, not noticing the sudden distraught state of his boyfriend. "Thank you, love." He then pulls his phone out and dials his mum's number. He steps into Harry's bedroom just as his mother answers his call. With excitement, Zayn informs her of the dinner plans and that he has a surprise for the family. On the other line, Trisha makes sure to squeeze the date of the dinner in their family's hectic schedule, truly wondering what her secretive son has in store for them.

Meanwhile, still slumped on the couch, Harry is freaking out. Scenarios fill his head and none of them are exactly...good. He thinks of how much he struggles to live a comfortable life while Zayn drives around town with a bloody Porsche. They aren't compatible and he knows that this will throw a massive brick to the way things are at the moment. Harry doesn't want Zayn to get hurt, especially if Zayn's parents don't find Harry suitable for their son.

"My mum is excited, Haz," Zayn says as he returns to the living room. He is grinning now, mood obviously lifted. "She has scheduled the dinner the day after tomorrow, so make sure to clear your packed schedule by then."

Harry smiles weakly at his boyfriend, bringing one of his thumbs up. Despite the overwhelming feelings of insecurity, Harry still tries to be the support that Zayn needs. "Got it, love."

Zayn straddles Harry then, pushing him down to lie on his back.

Harry flushes bright red at their compromising position. "Zayn!"

Warm hands push Harry's shirt up and soon they come in contact with the soft skin of Harry's tummy. The curly-haired lad squirms underneath Zayn, feeling ticklish. Then, Zayn smirks and leans down to nibble on the smooth skin of Harry's neck.

"What are you d-doing, Zayn?" The younger of the two grunts, tilting his head to the side and giving Zayn more room to work on his neck.

"You looked upset, love. I'm cheering you up." Zayn's lips are so close to Harry's skin as he speaks and the warmth of his breath fanning over the pale expanse causes goosebumps to erupt on it.

Harry shivers and looks away from Zayn's assessing gaze. He stares at a particular spot on the couch cushion while Zayn frowns in confusion.

"Harry, love?"

Squirming, Harry tries to dislodge Zayn off of his body. He doesn't want to explain to Zayn the reason why he's suddenly in a different mood. However, Zayn is having none of it and stays on top of Harry, still straddling him. "What's wrong, Haz? And don't try to get out of this by saying it's nothing."

Harry sighs softly.

"Why are you suddenly so blue, my love?"

"What if..." Harry hesitates to continue his question, but Zayn turns his face and smiles encouragingly at him when they lock eyes. "What if your family doesn't find me suitable for you? What if they dislike me?"

The genuine panic and downcast expression on Harry's face is more than what Zayn can handle, so he cups Harry's face in between his hands and presses kisses all over it. When Harry cracks and starts giggling, ticklish as always, Zayn stops with his kissing attacks.

"I'm sure they'll be surprised, at first," Zayn tells Harry. He rubs his thumb on Harry's cheek gently, staring into clear green eyes with adoration. "But, I'm sure once they get to know you, they'll love you, Haz. You're so easy to adore. Plus, my mum is understanding and I'm sure once she sees how much you make me happy, she'll accept us."