Above the Crimson Sky (Sequel to Beneath the Midnight Sky)

XII. Too Far Gone

"How much did you make?" Ed asked in a hushed tone.

"Um...." Zayn reached in his pocket and retrieved an envelope. "$480." He handed the money to Ed. "But it wasn't without drama. They're trying to say we are shorting them on supply and we are charging too much."

"Well that's bullshit and you know it!" Ed sneered. "Looks like we'll have to cut ties with them then. We don't need that. We are a small business; don't need a bad reputation yet."

Zayn hummed in agreement. "Yeah man you're right. So what do you want to do about Liam wanting to leave?"

"Nothing. I think it would be a lot of trouble for him to stay actually. He would get sloppy because he isn't focused. He is too wrapped up in his feelings for you...." Ed started thinking. "I know that you and him only started dating because we needed his muscle but I do think you care about him somewhat. Don't want you distracted either."

"Yeah, I do care about him. Apart of me grew rather attached but not like I want to be..." Zayn stood thinking as he placed his money in his pocket. "I am incapable of loving anyone."

"Yeah, sure," Ed replied not convinced. "Speaking of, how is Louis?"

"Ehh...he's okay. Just having a little fluke with his health. I'm visiting him tomorrow with Harry." Zayn lit up a cigarette. "Where is he by the way? I told him to wait on me here."

"And he is. He's getting wasted." Ed pointed in the direction of the kitchen.

Zayn patted Ed on the shoulder as he walked toward Harry. "Just as I promised." He reached for Harry's hand and placed two pills in his hand. "Dissolve these under your tongue."

"Oh my god! It's you!" Harry said jumping into his arms. Zayn caught him and carried him over to the futon. "What are these?" Harry asked looking at the pills.

"Don't worry about it. It's what you need, promise." He smiled at him. "You mentioned earlier you were having thoughts about self-harm...I wasn't sure what you meant by that....?"

Laughing for no reason, Harry fell in the floor; the room violently spinning. "I did? Well between me and you," he got closer to Zayn's ear. "That's a secret and if I told you, I'd have to kill you...or maybe just tickle the hell out of you." Harry tried to tickle him but Zayn looked at him unamused. "God, you're such a bore!" He slurred.

Zayn rubbed his chin. "And you're smashed. Maybe I should take those pills away from you. They might not mix well with you at the moment."

"No! Mine!" Harry giggled as he swallowed them down with his vodka. "Oops."

"It'll still work but just take longer to kick in." Zayn informed him, "What's into you anyway? Louis said you are Mr. clean and healthy eating, kale loving, and a yoga master. This doesn't sound like that person at all."

Harry rolled his eyes. "I don't know..." Harry laughed. "Come dance with me, please?"

"Fuck no. I'm going to sleep. I'm exhausted." Zayn stretched his legs over Harry's lap. "You're too drunk to be on campus. You might as well get a blanket and go upstairs."

"Hell no, party just started!" Harry said as he swung his bottle around to imaginary music. Zayn shook his head in amusement before closing his eyes and nodding off.

(iMessage) Louis to Niall 10:30 PM

LittleLou: Hey Niall sorry to bother you so late but have you heard from Harry
Horan: Yea, we're over at Eds. Whats up?
LittleLou: Been txting him all day, he's ignoring me. Is he ok?
Horan: He's fine. Maybe his phone is dead or something.
LittleLou: Ok. You're probably right.
Horan: Get some rest, k? Be there tomorrow.
LittleLou: You're a good friend. Night.
Horan: Night