PAYBACK » Zarry ✔

Zero

"Are you ready?" Zayn whispers to Harry Styles, his boyfriend of eight months.

Harry nods eagerly. "Yeah, I'm ready." After wiping his hands and mouth on the table napkin, he stands up with a light clap. "Can I have everyone's attention please? Everyone?"

There are only six other people at the table besides Zayn and himself. So it doesn't require too much more than his own voice. They all quiet down and look at him.

"I just want to say that I can't believe this day has finally come. A year ago when I said that this was what I wanted to do, I didn't expect it to be this successful. I didn't expect to be sitting here with all of you and celebrating the accomplishments that having a law firm could bring. But I am so incredibly thankful."

Harry looks around the table at all of his friends with a bright smile. "I know all of you from my years of being a lawyer so it makes this ever more special that I get to share this night with you, my friends. Thank you."

They begin to speak softly to him.

"You're welcome, Harry."

"Anything for you, Harry."

"You deserve it, Harry."

"But also..." He picks up his glass and looks down at Zayn. "This night of celebration would not be totally complete without mentioning someone in particular. It would be a shame if I forgot the one person who is truly special to me because without him being there with me and supporting me in these last eight months while tolerating those days when I was frustrated about things not going right, this night wouldn't nearly be possible. And I'm talking about you Mr. Zayn Malik. Thank you. And I love you."

"Aw, Harry."

"That's so sweet."

"Zayn, you're lucky."

Zayn smiles shyly but nods and mouths up at him. "I love you too."

"So anyway. I didn't want a long speech. I just basically wanted to say that tonight. So let's raise our glasses and make a toast to many more years of this to come, shall we?"

Everyone stands up and begins to clink their glasses together. After a few more congratulations from everyone, they sit down and all gradually begin to resume their private conversations.

"I would have been okay if you didn't mention me in your speech." Zayn says.

"I know." Harry mumbles. "But I wanted to acknowledge you. I wanted them all to know how special you are to me and how much influence you had in the success of the firm." He gently presses his fingertips to Zayn's chin. "I love you. So I could never take you for granted. I want to be loyal in every way."

"Every way?" Zayn asks and he feels so soft inside at those words.

"Every way."

"Promise?"

"Promise." He leans in and leaves a soft peck on Zayn's lips and Zayn is completely satisfied with that.

Zayn has already planned out so many things for him and his boyfriend, all in relation to spending a long time with him. Zayn loves Harry. He needs him so much and in more ways than one. He doesn't know what he'll do without him.

He can't be without him.

He won't....

*****

This story is my own, so please be kind and not steal anything from it. :)