Secrets [Zarry]

Gumballs

Harry was late to work, rushing in with his shirt halfway unbuttoned and his hair in a mess.

"Did you get mugged?" Charlie chuckled, hoping Harry didn't actually get mugged.

"No, I um...I'm just late." Harry said, clearing his throat and straightening himself up.

"I see that." Charlie said, his arms folded now.

"Don't act like you're my boss." Harry said, giving him a playful look.

"I'm not. I'm just jealous. When I come in late Jackie is always here ready to scream at me." Charlie complained.

"You have to pick your moments." Harry smiled.

"Mhmm. Okay." Charlie said.

"Why aren't you cooking anything?" Harry asked, looking around.

"Nobody has wanted anything that needs to be cooked. Not yet." He said, looking towards the window.

"Good." Harry sighed, getting his apron and hairnet on.

"Nice hickey." Charlie commented, watching him.

Harry closed his eyes, his cheeks turning red.

Why did Zayn always have to leave a mark?

"Thanks, I seem to collect them." Harry muttered.

"Hey, do you think you can run this place by yourself next weekend?" Charlie asked.

"Why?" Harry frowned.

"My brother and I are going to this music festival. Well, younger brother by four minutes. He's been looking forward to it for forever and I really want to take him." Charlie chuckled.

"Oh, identical twin?"

"Almost. His hair is curly and he wears these ugly glasses, that's the only difference." Charlie smiled. "But, do you think you can?"

"No, because I was going to go to that festival too." Harry decided to admit.

"There's no way Jackie will let both of us off." Charlie sighed.

Harry quickly began to think. "Well...you said you really want your brother to be happy? What if you stay and work, and...my friends and I let him tag along with us?"

"Okay, I guess." Charlie shrugged, not seeming too disappointed.

"Good." Harry sighed with relief.

"He'll have to meet you and everything first though, he's kind of shy." Charlie said.

"Oh, and if you're homophobic don't bother." Charlie said.

Harry frowned.

"He's gay. I don't want him mistreated or teased. He's had enough of that." Charlie said sternly.

"Trust me, he won't be." Harry tried to assure him.

"My friends and I are all very decent people." Harry lied straight to Charlie's face.

Apparently he was good at it.

"Good." Charlie smiled.

"Thanks for doing this, Harry."

Harry swallowed, faking another smile.

"No problem."

x
x
x

"I'm so excited for this." Liam grinned, standing by the window. "Good thing my cousin let me take his van."

"So you're the designated driver, yeah?" Louis smirked.