Love Your Demons, Like Demons Can

three

It's been a week since the incident and Liam's can see why Louis is so protective of Harry. Harry went home a day later but only because Louis was going to sleep over, leaving Liam to stay up all night and ponder what type of creature Zayn Malik actually is.

According to Liam's calculations, he's definitely a force not to be fucked with.

Liam wants to know what a person like Zayn has to do to be kept in a person like Harry's heart for so long.

Zayn in mysterious and cryptic but shows Liam not one sign of being a physical threat when he's messaging him in the dead of night talking about shit that always brings Liam to the conclusion that he's high out of his mind because really, what sober person wants to know if money is the root of all evil, why do churches ask for it?

Liam finds himself asking his mom that the next time she calls.

Today is Friday, though and Liam's not scheduled for the weekend so Harry invites him and Louis over to his place for a couple of beers and he fires up the grill for a barbecue.

Harry looks significantly better. His bruises are faded and his smile is beaming brighter than the summer sun and when Zayn comes crawling down the steps, Liam can see they're on good terms when he stands next to Harry at the sink and says something that makes the younger bark out in laughter.

"What are you doing? Hm? Didn't tell me we were having guests," Zayn smiles at him. It's gentle; soft almost. Never in a million years would Liam think that a person that looks like Zayn could ever look like that.

Liam also realizes that this is the first time in weeks he's seen Zayn. His hair is now back to black and he looks more rested (and sober) than before. But that's not what's caught Liam off guard. It's the fact that Zayn is paying absolutely no mind to him unlike at three in the morning when he's assaulting his kik.

"I brought Liam and Louis over. Hope that's okay with you," Harry says. Zayn only hums and grabs a potato and helps Harry peel it so they can make the potato salad together. "Did you sleep?" Once again, Zayn hums in response. "That's good."

"I suppose so," he replies in a bored tone. Liam seems shocked that anyone could talk to Harry like they're not interested. "How was school this week, love? You doing better?"

"Yes. Before you know it, I'll be a lawyer and I'll help settle all your court cases," he jokes, making Zayn snort.

"Maybe you can help me-" he stops, as if he remembers something and looks over his shoulder and sees Liam sitting there. "Nevermind," he mutters.

Louis comes back a bit later with the skewers that Harry wanted as well as some more meat and vegetables. Zayn marinates the rest of the meat while Louis and Harry finish the salad. By the time the couple is done and has their hands washed, Louis grabs a couple of bears and hands one to Harry and Zayn and then one to Liam.

"I-I don't drink," he frowns, nervous.

"Jesus drank every day," Louis winks at him. "Common, Li. It's just a beer. I'm sure God won't send you to the dog house for this one."

"You don't have to drink if you don't want to," Harry comforts him, placing a hand on the younger one's palm. "Nobody is gonna judge you."

"I will," Louis retorts just because he's a little shit.

Harry glares at his boyfriend through the corner of his eyes. "As I was saying, no one important and relevant will judge you."

"Oh, I'm still gonna judge you."

"Louis!" Harry shoves him (not hard though, he can't do that to his love). "Liam, don't listen to him. He's not relevant." Liam looks at Harry then casts his eyes behind him to see Zayn staring expectantly, leaning against the counter and taking a small sip. He sighs and turns back to Harry and grabs the bottle timidly, making Harry smile. "Here, let me open it for you."