i'll be home for christmas ➳ zarry

where the love light gleams

Lars' First Christmas

Harry stood in the kitchen with Zayn by his side, watching as Lars read a book on the couch next to their Christmas tree.

Harry had fallen in love with the little boy, everything about him fit so perfectly.

"Do you think he hates us?" Harry whispered. 

Zayn shook his head. "He smiled a little bit on the car ride home last night babe," 

"Yeah, because he probably felt obligated to smile," Harry spoke. "We adopted him on Christmas Eve,"

"Here," Zayn sighed. "How about we take him out tomorrow to get some new clothes and toys. Everything is closed today,"

Wrapped presents were still sat neatly under the tree, most of them in pink wrapping paper for the new baby they thought they were going to bring home.

It hurt Harry to explain to Lars that his room was pink for other reasons, but Lars said he liked the colour.

He hadn't said a lot to Zayn and Harry except for yesterday when he asked why they adopted him. Out of all the babies in this hospital, his words.

Zayn gently explained to him that a parent knows who will fill their heart, and the minute they saw him, they fell in love with him.

This is what Lars smiled at.

Then, when they had arrived home, Lars whispered something about wishing how his Mum loved him.

Harry could've broken in that moment. 

When they brought him to his room, Zayn said they'd get a new bed for him and repaint it.

Lars decided that he liked the colour but he agreed to get a new bed.

To this day, his bedroom is still the soft pink. 

"He doesn't hate you love," Zayn repeated once again when he didn't get an answer from Harry.

Ignoring, Harry walked into the living room and sat down softly next to Lars.

Zayn could hear the entire conversation.

"What are you reading love?" Harry asked so gently, that Zayn fell in love with him all over again.

"To Kill a Mockingbird," Lars answered quietly. 

Harry's eyed widened. "Really?"

Lars nodded as if it was nothing out of the ordinary. "I've practically memorized the book," 

"Really?" Harry motioned towards the book as if he wanted to hold it.

Lars handed it to him and nodded proudly. "My Mum gave it to me,"

Harry flipped through the pages, seeing how well-used this book really was.

"And you're nine years old?" Harry gave Lars his book back.

He nodded again. "Nine years old,"

"The book is really deep isn't it? I had to read it about three times before I finally understood it,"

Lars flipped back to his page and looked down. "Atticus is my favourite character," He whispered.

"He is?" Harry smiled softly. "Why Atticus?"

"Do you like Atticus?" Lars asked.

"Of course I do," Harry said. "Atticus is a very wise man,"

"He is," Lars answered quietly. "He's a really good father to his children. He teaches them very useful life lessons,"

"He does," Harry agreed. 

"Like tolerance. Acceptance. Forgiveness.." Lars went on forever, and Zayn watched as Harry connected with Lars in a way that was indescribable. 

"Indeed," Harry agreed.

"Can I tell you something Harry?" Lars asked, his words softer this time. 

"Anything Lars," Harry said. 

Lars hesitated, but then he spoke smoothly. Confidently but quiet.

"You and Zayn remind me of Atticus," He said delicately. 

Harry stayed silent. He listened.

"I've only been here for a day, but you and Zayn remind me of Atticus,"

Lars fiddled with the page he was reading. The edge ripped.

"It's like I have two of my own Atticus'," Lars looked like he was going to cry.

Harry hesitantly pulled him into his arms.

Lars relaxed in Harry's grip and leaned against his chest.

Zayn watched as Harry rubbed small circles up and down Lars' arm.

Lars stayed quiet for a moment, and then let out the softest whisper that both Zayn and Harry would remember forever. 

"Thank you for being my Atticus,"