Baby "Jayn"

"Jayn knowsh"

Chapter 70
{Harry}

Harry watched Zayn carefully as the little guy gulped down the water. He slid down the couch and placed it on the table, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. His eyes never left the TV.

Power Rangers were on and it was quiet apart from that. Anne had gone to sleep and Gemma went to take a shower. Louis was cuddled under the blanket, scrolling through his phone and Liam was in the kitchen talking to Sophia. After eating all the fish, ignoring the vegetables, Zayn had been uncharactaristically silent, hands in his lap. Louis had suggested to put something on that would lighten his mood, and Zayn was hooked.

The little lad trotted over to Louis, climbing onto the couch and slipping under the blanket. He then leaned forward and whispered something in Louis' ear. Louis smiled softly at him, tearing his gaze from the small screen. "Course you can." He then resumed scrolling through his phone as Zayn turned his attention back to the fight at hand.

Harry sipped his tea and smiled sadly. He and the boys had discussed a lot while Zayn had been eating. This wasn't good nor normal for a kid his age, and if he dreamed again they would have to contact a child specialist. Zayn needed to be able to move on without having to carry the fear or burden of his father's actions. He was young and his memory wasn't permanent, it wasn't long until he would forget what happened. To do that, he should be able to move on. Adopt fully to a life with the five of them. The boys had also come to terms that for now, they'd give him a home. The poor guy had done nothing, but been on his best behavior. The worst behavior he'd ever shown was when he'd not listened to them and had gone on stage, and then the candy incident. But that one was totally on Louis.

Liam walked out of the kitchen, looking angry as ever. Harry raised an eyebrow, watching him as he sat down on the couch, sinking down on it. His anger must've radiated off to Zayn who surprisingly managed to tear his gaze from the TV and turned to look at Liam. His face consorted into sadness, lower lip jutting out as he turned to look at his hands.

"You okay, Liam?" Harry asked worriedly, curious as to what was going on.

Liam sighed, leaning back on the couch and nodding. "Yeah, everything's ok."

Harry gave him a reassuring smile and a small nod towards Zayn. Liam turned to look at the lil' fella, his face softening. "So Zayn," he started. "Do you like Power Rangers?"

Zayn looked up abruptly, his eyes moving from Liam to the screen. He then nodded, thumbs fiddling. He suddenly seemed so nervous. Harry couldn't even fathom what Zayn must have seen in his dream that could have distanced him again. But it wouldn't stay for long, they'd find a way to his heart again. Like they usually did.

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Harry felt someone poke him in the stomach. He frowned, his groggy mind slowly moving through the sleep to process what was going on around him. The poking continued.

"What?" Harry mumbled, rubbing his heavy eyelids.

"Hawwy?" a small and scared voice whispered.

Harry forced his eyes to open as he rolled over to look down at Zayn. The toddler looked uneasy as he clutched the blanket in his hand. "Jay's can't shleep with Nawiall."

Since Zayn had been so tentative with sleeping on his own, Gemma had suggested he sleep with someone he was comfortable with. Harry furrowed his brows. "Why not? Don't you like Niall? Is it about the dream? Zayn-"

"No," Zayn said shortly, lifting his shoulders up. "It'sh not dat."

"Then what is it?" Harry stifled a yawn.