Learn to Love » Zarry

Twenty-Three: Responsibilities

"Zaynie! I missed you so much, don't ever think I'll forgive you for ditching me while you go to London." Nicolas said as he tightly hugged Zayn.

Zayn chuckled as he patted the back of his blonde friend. 

"Right, God forbid I visit my sick mother." Zayn rolled his eyes as they sat down at the restaurant bar. 

"Whatever, how is she?" Nicolas said in a more serious tone.

Zayn nodded, "She's doing fine. She had enough strength to bully me all the time so I'm sure she feels amazing. She also has a new boyfriend? That's weird. But after all, she's been through... I'm glad she just found someone who can make her happy."

"Ooh, Trish still got it." Nicolas chuckled and Zayn nodded as he looked over the menu. "Did you meet the guy?" Nicolas asked.

Zayn shook his head, "Nah, the man was too busy working. I don't mind. They've been together for a while now so my input really wouldn't have made any change." He explained and Nicolas nodded.

After Zayn ordered his drinks, he waited for Nicolas to finish flirting with the bartender and stared outside the restaurant's big open windows. It gave him access to the mesmerizing colors the sunset painted on the sky.

"So, how's our boy Harry?" Nicolas said turning his attention to Zayn. 

Zayn let out a sigh before a smile crept onto his face. "Where do I even start? This man is amazing." Zayn said as he tapped the cold granite countertop.

"Like he paid for both of us to go visit my mother. He wants commitment and I love that. I'm not gonna lie, it caught me off guard because, well, I was an escort but for Harry," Zayn said and locked eyes with Nicolas. "I'd do anything." 

"Wow, Zayn. But I mean I don't take you as a player." Nicolas stated as he received his drink.

"Mm, but I'm also not a marriage type of guy really. From the start, though, Harry established he didn't want anything casual so I kind of had to change my ways, I guess." Zayn clarified and Nicolas's eyes widened.

"So you're going to marry him?" He asked.

"Well, I don't want to be away from him anytime soon. Is that how you know you want to marry someone? I dunno but I couldn't see myself being away from Harry. He's just so good. I truly love him like with my whole being." Zayn chuckled as he realized how foolish he sounded.

"Aw, Zaynie!" Nicolas said and smacked his arm. 

"Enough about my nauseatingly sweet relationship, what's up with you?" Zayn asked and Nicolas clapped his hands.

"I forgot to tell you! I'm becoming an escort." Nicolas said and Zayn held his drink to his lips still before setting it on the cardboard coaster.

"An escort? Really?" He asked.

"What's that? Guastafesta, you don't seem happy. I thought you'd be proud." Nicolas said shifting uncomfortably at Zayn's reaction.

Zayn immediately shook his head, "No, it's not that I disapprove or anything. Quite on the contrary really, I think you'd be great! It's just unexpected? I dunno, just be safe, Nico." Zayn stated and Nicolas chuckled.

"Okay, well thank you." Nicolas smiled sweetly and Zayn gave him a nod. "If I'm being totally honest, you're kind of the reason I even considered it."

Zayn gave him a confused look. 

"You'd always defend me in front of my father so we established that trust, you know? We'd talk about our issues as if we were dating but I knew it was all pretending. Don't worry this is not a love confession," Zayn rolled his eyes as he laughed at his Italian friend. "Putting it simply, I want to be that outlet for people too, you know? People who feel they have to hide who they are or have no one to talk to, I'll be that person!" Nicolas said pointing to himself.

His motives were definitely nobler than Zayn's, he just needed the money.

Zayn nodded before putting his hand on Nicolas's neck and squeezing it. 

"You'll do great, Nico," Zayn said locking eyes with his friend.

As Zayn took the last sip of his drink, he let out a big yawn.

"You tired, huh?" Nicolas noticed Zayn's eye bags were a little darker than usual.

Zayn nodded but motioned that it wasn't anything serious.

"Dog-sitting truly isn't for the light-hearted," Zayn joked and Nicolas shook his head.

"Why don't you go back to escorting? You know damn well it was less work and you get paid a hell of a lot more. Don't you want to be able to help out your mom and Harry?" Nicolas suggested and Zayn contemplated.

"You think I don't know that? Nah, Harry would leave me. That was a dealbreaker for him and I can't blame him. Who wants to go to sleep knowing their partner is out playing pretend boyfriend with random people? Especially rich, powerful people." Zayn sighed.

"Well, you can't be bought." Nicolas said surely before turning to Zayn, "Can you?"

Zayn kicked his barstool, "You bastard, 'course not."

"Well, then what's the worry, if you love each other," Nicolas said, sipping his drink.

Zayn nodded slowly as he thought about asking Harry his thoughts on Zayn escorting again.

Harry knew Zayn didn't like his current job. Zayn also knew that Harry wasn't comfortable with 'sharing' Zayn.

"Nope, it's not even a question. Harry told me straight up he didn't like it, so why would I even bother? I'll just have to suck it up." Zayn said as he ran his fingers through his hair.

Nicolas could sense the slight frustration coming from Zayn and decided to change the topic.

"So how's the banger coming along?" He asked jokingly.

"Ugh, don't even remind me." Zayn groaned and Nicolas winced at his failed attempt to cheer him up.

"It's so difficult, but Harry's so understanding and patient. But he's also mean? He wants this song to be me. Like what's that even mean? I'm kind of struggling and he's definitely making sure I don't quit. But I'm hoping I'll finish it soon." Zayn said more so trying to convince himself than Nicolas.

"I just really want to impress Harry. He's a fucking legend and at such a young age... like I don't need this played on the radio station, I just need Harry to think it's good and I'll be content." Zayn finished and Nicolas patted him on the back.

The two finished their drinks and as the stars lit up the night sky they caught up on each others' lives through laughter and slurred sentences. But all Zayn truly desired was to be in bed, next to Harry's warm body, and to fall asleep hearing his love's soft breathing.

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