Forget Me Not (Zayn/Harry; Mpreg AU)

32 - Small world, huh?

After Niall's enthralling performance at Twist 'n Shout, the two newly reunited friends have decided to spend the night together in Harry's flat, which is closer to the nightclub than Niall's, according to the Irish lad. In all honesty, though, it is more like Niall practically invited himself over to the younger lad's home because he refuses to part with him just yet.

"It's going to be loads of fun, Haz," Niall reasons, beaming wide. In his grasp, he jiggles Harry's right arm excitedly and delights in seeing the young man's sweet little giggle. "We haven't had the chance to cross sleepover out of our best mates to-do list yet, you know?"

Harry sagely nods his acceptance. "Very well, Ni," he says, eyes twinkling. Deep inside, however, Harry is filled with nervousness and insecurities for he doesn't want Niall to see the desolate state of his living, but he tries to tamp every negativity down; He needs Niall in his life. "I have to warn you, though. I have a vicious pup waiting for me at home. He gets strangely jealous of others, especially when I give them my attention."

"Dogs love me," Niall retorts, puffing up his chest and then guffawing at his silliness afterwards. He then bids his co-workers goodbye and links his arms through Harry's all the way to the latter's flat.

True to his earlier words, Eclair adores Niall. Upon meeting, the little dog only takes one sniff of Niall's hand, a scratch behind his ears and he is sold, his tail wagging furiously. He yips and licks Niall's palm with fervor while the Irish lad grins at Harry. "See, Hazza? Eclair and I are mates now."

"I'm glad." With his back to them, Harry's eyes are strangely misty as he hangs up his and Niall's coats behind the door, where a hook is drilled in. Then, he locks the front door shut and ushers the two further inside the flat.

"Well, erm, here it is, Nialler. Welcome to my humble abode," Harry announces, all awkward energy and weak smiles. He spreads his arms wide and sweeps it around slowly, eyeing Niall, who is looking around the place with intent. "Do you want anything to drink? I have cold water and ginger tea, if you want."

Shaking his head, Niall sits on Harry's couch and puts Eclair on his lap. He pats the space beside him, beckoning for Harry to take a seat, which the other takes after a lot of hesitation. "Why're you so nervous?"

"My flat's tiny and boring. This is such a bad idea. We can't have any fun in here."

Harry hears Niall heave a soft sigh and then he is being pulled sideways, squished close to his friend. He rests his head on Niall's shoulder. "Do you think I care about any of that, Harry?"

The use of his whole name and not the nickname that Niall always calls him with causes Harry to stiffen, almost panicking that he has offended his friend somehow. He is slowly pulling away but Niall's grip on him strengthens.

"Hey," Niall shushes. "I don't give a shit if you live under a rock, Haz, alright? I'll still want to sleepover and make new memories with you."

Harry curses his pregnant hormones for making him thoroughly emotional. He sniffs and bites his lower lip to keep them from trembling as a few tears escape his eyes. "Sorry, Nialler."

"What're you apologizing for?"

"I...erm...uh, I..."

Hearing the tears in Harry's voice, Niall releases Harry and wipes the lad's tears away, frowning. Eclair climbs on Harry's lap and whines, understanding the helpless sort of energy that his owner is giving off.

"You know what, H? Let's go to bed and talk there, yeah?" Niall gets to his feet and pulls Harry up. Although he appears calm outside, Niall is already gathering up all of his courage for he has seen the defeat in the green eyes of his friend and he knows that the story behind that grief will be taxing, not only to him but most especially to Harry. Niall swears to be the strength that his friend needs, vowing to make up for the years that he has missed with Harry. "I might need to borrow some of your clothes, though. I feel gross in these," he points to his button down and jeans with playful annoyance, sticking his tongue out.