Safe | zarry adoption

f i v e

Kasey could not get out of Harry's head.

Since the moment she had stood up in class on his first day of teaching, he knew there was something different about her, something that he needed to protect. She seemed so fragile compared to all of the other students; terrified of what the world had to offer. Whenever she stuttered, he wanted to wrap her up in his arms and let her know that the world wasn't out to get her. He wanted to be there to protect her and let her know that everything would be okay.

Zayn, his husband, knew about Kasey too. He had told Zayn countless times that he was worried about Kasey; her occasional limps into class, her missing lunch, her inability to focus in class despite her being so smart. Zayn advised to build up her trust first before confronting her about any issues -- there was no way she would admit to anything to an adult she didn't trust.

So that's what Harry did. He brought her lunch, helped her with her homework, made conversation, and did everything in his power to show her that he cared about her, hoping that one day she would find him a good enough person to confide in.

Which is why he didn't say anything when he saw Kasey at the local food pantry that weekend. He was volunteering as usual on Saturday when he saw the small girl wandering up and down the aisles, grabbing items off the shelves. He understood that it probably would be embarrassing to see someone you knew while shopping in a place like this, so he gave her space. Observing her from a distance, Harry noticed that she kept closed off from everyone else, keeping an arm around her midriff and avoiding eye contact. Her basket was filled with less than half a dozen items. No wonder she never had a lunch. She checked out and then left, leaving Harry with a million thoughts circling his head.

He volunteered until noon and then went back home, made lunch for him and Zayn, then graded the homework assignment he assigned earlier that week.

"Babe?"

Zayn looked up from his phone. "Yeah?"

"I'm worried about Kasey." His husband frowned, putting his phone down and focusing all his attention on Harry. "I saw her at the food pantry today, and, I dunno," he paused. "I'm just worried about her. I've never heard from her parents, she's been walking into class with a limp these past few days, and she never has a lunch. The poor girl looks like she doesn't eat anything. I just want her to be alright."

"I would talk to her this week. The longer you wait, the more that could happen." They sat in silence for a moment, the reality of Zayn's words sinking in to Harry.

"I just," he let out a sigh and shuffled the papers in his hands. "What if everything's fine and I'm making a big deal out of nothing?"

"Babe," Zayn started, making his way over to Harry, "if everything was fine, I'm sure you would know. It sounds like there is something wrong, and taking the initiative to recognize that and then do something about it is very brave. Talk to her this week. It sounds like she needs someone."

Harry pulled his husband in for a kiss. "Thank you, baby."

"She needs your help, Harry."

"I know."

"You can't let her down."

i'm sorry for this awful chapter and awful ending i'm trying my best... if anyone has any ideas pls give them to me i'll take anything

also i just broke up with my girlfriend so that's kinda depressing,,, idk things have just been shit lately 

anyway thank you for reading, please vote/comment, it really means a lot to me!! mwah

- asteria <3