Partners (Zarry) ✍🏻

• 19 •

Harry POV

Zayn was quiet all the way back to my place. He was just staring out the windows, his eyes following the droplets that were now falling against it.

- Are you alright?

- Yes. It's over.

- Zayn you know that you have the right to not be alright. You have the right to tell me that you're hurt.

- Maybe someday I'll be able to drop my guard and talk to you easily.... but it's still hard for me.

- I understand...

He paused for a long time.

- There's this one time... I think I was fourteen. Mark was invited by my parents for some charity event. It was at my house... I hated knowing he would be there because I knew he would come for me.

I was listening to him carefully, while I was keeping my eyes on the road. My pulse was getting faster as he continued sharing his horrible story.

- I was quite in a rebellious phase and I was constantly fighting with my parents. I was drinking a lot to forget what he was doing to me. Being rich, alcohol wasn't hard to get.

I put my hand on his knee, encouraging him to continue confessing.

- My mother was around me all night. I was listening to them talking about money and expensive things, while I was doing my best to not drink too much. My step-dad pushed a drink in my hand saying that real men were drinking. So I did. Of course at that age, I got drunk easily. A guy talked to me, a young and attractive guy, so I flirt with him, being drunk and all. Everybody saw me doing a fool of myself, including Mark. Let's say that after the party Mark wasn't too happy with me. He cornered me in a bathroom and locked the door behind him. He bent me over the cabinets and he took off my pants. He raped me violently while choking me to the point I would lose conciousness. But you know what? Even then he didn't stop. I remember that I was bleeding a lot and it was awfully painful. He used me and let me bleeding on the cold tiles floor. I didn't cry that night. I was used to his assaults. It was .... my whole life to that point. My mother found me about an hour later. Mark was long gone but I was still lying there naked and hurt in my own blood. She looked at me coldly, and left. Without even helping. It's Claire who took care of me that night. Of course I refused to tell her the truth but I could tell that she was more worried about me than my own mother would ever be. I thought at the time she was thinking that I had sex with the guy I was flirting with and that I deserved it.

- Zayn, it's not your fault alright? Parents are something we can't choose. We have each others now. I'm here for you baby. I'll always be. I know you are hurt but I don't want you to feel lonely. You are not alone.

- Are you still up for that dinner Mr. Perfect?

- Of course, love.

I accepted, kissing his knuckles lightly.

- What are you gonna do about Mark now?

- I will talk with Niall, tomorrow.

- Really?

- Yes. He deverves to know. I will officially talk about everything. I will try to encourage Liam to do the same. It went on for long enough.

- I'm so proud of you.

After a quick shower, I put some cologne on and walked back to the living room where Zayn was waiting for me looking even more beautful than the usual. He took the time to dressed up.

He was nervously wiping his hands on his dressed up pants.

- Do I look ok?

- You look... like the most sexy boyfriend in town. I swear I won't ever get tired of looking at you.

- Shh.... Stop talking nonesense. Where are we going?

- That is a surprise sir.

He laughed, showing his adorable smile. I knew that he was really trying hard to stay strong, but it was Zayn's way to cope with things.

When we arrived Zayn was... surprised.

- An hotel? Wanna get me laid Styles?!

- Far from it. Actually, my mom and my sister are staying here until tomorrow night. I thought we could have a diner together tonight.

- You want me to meet your family? Like now?

- Yes. They aren't coming here very often and I want them to meet my wonderful boyfriend.

He looked at me and for an instant I thought that maybe the idea was stupid. I was about to say sorry when he grabbed the back of my neck before pulling me into a long soft chaste kiss.

- Thank you. Fuck, you're so perfect. Do you think they will like me?

- Well, you already met Gemma and my mother won't be able to resist your charm Malik. I want you to have a good night. I reserved a table at the hotel restaurant for four while you were showering.

- Alright.

He said happy. I could tell that he appreciated my idea. I gave the car keys to the boy at the entrance and we walked hand in hand in the fancy restaurant.

- My baby!!

My mother almost screamed when she saw me. Of course she would try to make me uncomfortable in front of Zayn.

- Moooommm.... pleasee...

- Oh come on Harry, you will always be my baby. I suppose that you are Zayn? Harry told me he was bringing a gentleman but I wasn't expecting such a model.

She complimented my boyfriend nicely, making him blush a deep shade of red.

- Nice to meet you mam'.

- Mom, leave the poor boy breath! He will think we are weirdos.

- Hello Gemma, nice to see you again.

I could tell my mother wasn't happy that Gemma didn't tell her about Zayn before. I was thankful my sister kept her mouth shut like I asked her.

- So let's sit and oder something I'm starving.

My mother said joyfully. She poured us glasses of wine and start chatting with Zayn.

- What are you doing in life?

- I'm working with Harry, we are partners.

- Oh isn't that great. And your boss is ok with the both of you being together?

- Actually, yes. He approved our relationship.

- That so nice. I'm happy Harry finally met someone. I was starting to think that this moment would never happen.

- You mean... he never bring another boy home?

Zayn asked innocently.

- Or a girl. You're the first, and what a catch!

I was looking at my lap. There we were. Now Zayn knew that I never had a serious relationship before. Instead of being insecure about it he squeezed my hand gently.

- I feel special then.

- You are special.

I told him, kissing his head.

- You two a disgustingly adorable.

Gemma complained, doing gag sounds in the background. This moment was perfect.