Infectious (Ziall)

Epilogue.

Harry's Home.

[One month later].

Harry grasped his coat from the hanger, relishing in the way it evoked a sense of warmth and comfort when he placed it on his body. Winter had arrived and the mornings were cloudy and cold. He was running empty on groceries, the supermarket being more than three miles away, so shopping came seldom. He made way out the front door, back turned towards the grey sky as he began locking the door behind himself. Turning around, he found himself somewhat startled, but mostly taken aback at the sight of Chad standing at the bottom of the porch's steps - hands tucked in his coat and a beanie atop his head. With each exhale, foggy breath arose from the younger boy. Harry came to a halt, one hand still grasping the doorknob, not in fear but in apprehensiveness. It had been a little over a month since he had last seen Chad and their last day spent together always remained etched in the back of his mind. He tried to convince himself that Chad was just another boy, that him walking out meant absolutely nothing because he'd eventually come back; and, if not, he'd be replaced. However, Harry realized that he was lying to himself. His time spent with Chad meant much than how they utilized it. So, as the weeks went by, and the younger boy had shown no signs of returning, Harry actually felt heartache for once. "What are you doing here?" Harry grumbled, still reluctant to act rational; still hesitant to allow Chad back in. Chad opened his mouth, though his strung of a long explanation was cut short - "I'm not really in the mood for sex, if that's all you're here for," Harry bitterly stated.

Chad's face scrunched up in confusion. "I uh - I actually came to apologize. My family was going through a lot and, well, I needed time. I didn't mean to shut you out, but I figured you wouldn't have cared anyway."

"Because you've never bothered to ask!" Harry exclaimed, causing Chad to flinch. "I mean, honestly, did you really think two people could continue to have sex again and again and not expect repercussions, an ounce of care, or some gratitude?" Chad was rendered speechless, but his heart continued to swell in size with every word that was thrown his way; to finally see another side of Harry other than sexual satisfaction. "You come and you go whenever you want; and you take what you need from me; and you just assumed that I didn't care to see you walk away. Maybe it was meaningless at first, for the both of us, but I can only pretend for so long." A small smile appeared on Chad's face, causing Harry to scuff; however, the younger boy only continued to step closer. "You're an ass. It's all just fun and games to you, huh? My heart isn't a toy. It's not for entertainment! It's not - " Harry never saw it coming, but he would always remember the way Chad kissed him breathlessly.

Malik Household.

[In the backyard's garden; six months later].

"Chad, don't forget the fruit bowl!" Zayn called.

"Coming!" He responded, taking hold of the large bowl before joining his parents and boyfriend at the table outback, setting it aside the other various dishes. The sun came out that morning and they allowed things to take its course.

Dear Parents,

To which degree can I begin to explain how proud I am to be your son? In knowing that holding on turned into such a positive outcome, I live with no regrets of all that has happened. From the moment our home was set ablaze, problem after problem seeping its way into our lives, to the very moment we all surrendered to what was best for our hearts. It's been seven months since you've confessed, father, and know that their has never been a day where I didn't think about how grateful we are to still have you here; and that's what matters most. You're still a work in progress and you still feel slightly insecure, but you've owned your downfall and gradually rose like a phoenix; and you continued to love again like you had never stopped. And dad, your strength and courage to remain by his side, even when all seemed lost, is admirable. So, now, when I say I may be Zayn's spitting image, I say that with pride and my head held up high; because a man who was desperately in need of a crutch, who never once complained, is someone to look up to.

I'm happy you were both finally able to meet the guy who has chosen to love me the same way you've both loved one another - endlessly. The kind of love that's, well, infectious.

_

Author's Note: The end! Thank you all for the endless support. I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did writing it. This is my last story of 2014 and this was a nice way to end it. In the word's of Harry, all the love xo.

Dedication: TooShortToWait.