Pretty Boy

Sixteen

"Oh my god, Dad" Harry says, rushing to stand up "what are you doing home?"

Zayn looks between the man on the stairs (presumably Harry's Father) and Harry. They don't look anything alike. The man was a big build, suited in business attire.

"Don't call me Dad, Harold. Especially dressed like that." The man shakes his head, disgusted. "Honestly, so disgusting" he coughs before continuing "best clean up this disgracefulness and tell your friend to leave" He sneers.

"Yes sir" Harry says quietly. Zayn was shocked, his tipsy brain was barely able to comprehend the exchange. He suddenly remembered what he was wearing and felt the need to crawl out of his own skin. Zayn was so uncomfortable.

It wasn't until the man was completely out of sight Harry spoke again.

"I'm sorry Zee, but you have to leave. I wouldn't have invited you if I knew he was coming home." Zayn has never heard Harry like this, quiet, reserved.

"Okay" He replies "Will you be okay?"

"Yeah, yeah. He's not as scary as he seems. He's just like that in front of new people" Harry assures. Zayn still feels uneasy.

He helps Zayn up and they both go to the bedroom to change. Zayn in the clothes in arrived in, and Harry in a pair of long plaid Pajama bottoms on a white t-shirt. Though

Zayn finds his choice of clothing odd, he doesn't say anything.

"I'll see you tomorrow at Niall's, yeah?" Zayn asks once they reach the front door.

"Yeah, I'll probably be there sometime after noon" Harry forces a smile onto his face.

"Do you need to come over to my place tonight? Are you sure you're okay here?" Zayn asks again. He can't imagine the guilt he would feel if didn't make sure Harry wasn't in danger.

"Zayn, it's just my step father. I told you everything is fine. I'll see you tomorrow" Harry begins to close the door. Zayn wants to interject, just one last time, to make sure. He doesn't.

~

The next day Harry arrives at Nialls in sweats and a crop top. Hair up in a pony. He wasn't feeling good. Having spent hours listening to a lecture given from his stepfather, he didn't feel like himself. More ashamed then anything.

Luckily he left before Harry had to leave for Niall's. But even after the old man left Harry didn't feel like getting dolled up. In fact he didn't feel very pretty at all. He manage to blend through some concealer and swipe on a little mascara.

"Hey Harry" Niall greets at the door. He looks like he always does, happy, care-free.

"Hey, sorry I'm late" Harry steps in and slips off his vans.

Niall laughs, "Don't worry mate, we haven't even started the film."

Harry walks in and waves to Zayn as he passes him in the kitchen. He makes his way down stairs, as soon as he sees Louis he can't help but smile. Louis doesn't seem to notice him right away, he's talking to Liam. Louis is smiling so big, his eyes crinkle as his face scrunches. Harry doesn't quite want to interrupt the laughter. Bending his head back as he laughs, Louis must see Harry. His face softens, but the smile doesn't leave.

"Hey, Pretty Boy" he says. Harry doesn't respond with words. Instead he makes his way to Louis and throws himself in the boy's lap.

"Hey there" Louis chuckles, pulling Harry closer "You're not going to be able to see the movie like that." Harry just nuzzles closer. "Okay then Pretty Boy."

Harry can't believe the name that used to cause him so much frustration now calms him. Loving how it reminds him how pretty he is. No matter what others say Louis thinks he's pretty. Even practically barefaced, Louis still thinks he's pretty. That's all that really mattered.

~

Up in the kitchen Niall and Zayn were making popcorn and getting drinks. Zayn still felt uncomfortable about what he saw last night at Harry's place. The way Harry's stepfather looked at them, especially Harry. The things he said and the way he said them, made Zayn's skin crawl.

"Hey Niall, have you ever met Harry's stepfather?" He inquires as they wait for the popcorn.

"Just once, in passing. Why?"

"Last night I was at Harry's and his stepdad came home" Zayn shakes his head at the memory, "and he just, well, some of the things he said." Zayn couldn't form words, the scene just scared him. Harry's stepfather scared him, and being seen like that. Hearing those words dressed like he was.

"What kind of things?" Niall steps closer Zayn, he places a hand on his bicep.

Zayn looks down at his feet, he doesn't even know why it's affecting him like this. People have said worse things about his skin colour, why should he care what Harry's stepdad thought of his outfit.

"I don't" Zayn pauses "have you ever felt gross?"

"Zayn, I don't understand" Zayn looks up to see Niall's brow furrowed, likely in confusion. He doesn't say anything else, so they stand there like that. Until the sound of the microwave breaks the silence.

Zayn rushes to get the popcorn out and into a bowl. He felt the same shame wash over him, just like last night. He felt stupid to try and talk to Niall about it.

"Zayn" Niall says, his voice is deeper, more firm.

"Drop it Niall, forget I said anything" Zayn doesn't mean for his voice to drop and his words to come out as harsh as they did. But it works, because Niall doesn't say anything else as the walk down to meet the boys.

~

The movie was incredibly boring for Harry. During the beginning he kept whining and complaining to Louis. Who quickly put a stop to that with the threat of no sex. So, when the movie was finally over and Niall got out some beer, Harry was more than excited.

"Guys, let's tell secrets" Harry giggles at Louis feet. He had given up on the couch ages ago.

"Not this again" Zayn laughs. He seems in a much better mood now, Harry notices.

"You didn't even tell one last night!"

"Nether did you!" Zayn laughs harder.

"Well I thinks it a grand idea" says Niall "I've been waiting to uncover all your secrets Zaynie" He send the tan boy a wink, that causes Zayn's cheeks to flush.

"Is this a game? Are there rules?" Louis inquires.

"How about we go around the circle and you can ask whoever, whatever you please" Harry says.

"You should be allowed three passes" Zayn says "Just incase you don't wanna answer"

"Ugh" Harry groans "fine."

"Then let the game begin" Liam laughs.