Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Zain!" Harry hisses, shaking Zain awake. "Get up, your mum arrives today."

"In like 5 hours," Zain says, squinting at Harry.

"The house looks a mess, we should have cleaned up yesterday. Your mum's gonna think I'm a slob, Zain," Harry hisses again, pulling at Zain's arm. "She won't want me to have your babies! Zain!"

"She's gonna know I'm the slob," Zain yawns, pressing his face into his pillow. "Chill, babes."

"That's not helpful, Zain!" Harry hisses, shaking him again. "Up, come on. Up! Freddie's already doing his Legos."

"Bet he's hiding them under the sofa again?" Zain yawns, turning over and pulling Harry down towards him, smacking a kiss to his cheek.

"Not. Helpful," Harry says, straining against Zain's hold.

"Just give in, babes," Zain says, pressing obnoxious kisses to Harry's cheek and clinging in best Freddie-like manner. "A little cuddle and then we'll clean everything."

"A little cuddle," Harry says doubtfully but let's himself fall onto Zain. "If Freddie catches us, he'll pout."

"He's cute when he pouts," Zain shrugs, pulling Harry up slightly to kiss him properly.

"We really should clean up," Harry says when they part, slightly breathless.

"You can clean up when I'm gone," Zain says selfishly, nosing at Harry's cheek. "But you can't kiss me then."

Harry tilts his head, shrugging slightly. "Since you asked so nicely," he says sarcastically but leans down to kiss Zain again.

Zain smiles and pulls him closer.

"Grandma!" Freddie shrieks, throwing herself forward with enthusiasm. Zain keeps a hold of his sweater until the car comes to a complete stop and the engine is turned off before releasing him.

Freddie dashes forward, coming to an abrupt halt when he sees Anne getting out of the driver's seat.

"Hi, my love," Zain's mum calls from across the car. Freddie beams, rushing towards her, completely ignoring Anne.

"Cold," Harry says quietly to Zain, sounding amused. "Hi, mum," he adds.

"You have a belly!" Anne says, frozen, staring.

"It's all the cheese he's been putting away," Zain says helpfully, patting it. "Don't be fooled."

Harry pushes him away, rolling his eyes, and goes to hug his mum who at least has come out of her stupor at Zain's comment, hugging and cooing at Harry like Zain's own mum was at Freddie.

"Dada isn't here, Zain," Freddie informs Zain gravely as he steps up to them, hugging his own mum hello.

"He's home, monster," Zain says, rubbing at a spot of dirt on Freddie's cheek. "It's just grandma and Mummy's mum, we told you."

"But dada always comes with dadi!" Freddie explains, frowning.

"He's staying with your phupoo, meri jaan," Zain's mum coos, kissing Freddie's cheek. "But you'll see him for Eid, hm? Very soon."

"Yum, Eid," Freddie says, rubbing his belly, which says all about how great they've been at teaching him anything, really.

Zain rolls his eyes at his mum, tickling Freddie's knee and setting him down when he starts struggling. "Go say hi to mummy's mum, please," he says, watching Freddie run off for a moment.

"Can you comment how clean everything is, please?" he adds more quietly to his mum. "Haz thinks you won't want him to have babies if it's not spotless or something."

"Zain, really," his mum scolds. "Be nice, he's pregnant."

"I am nice," Zain pouts, hugging her tightly for a moment. "But it's still a bit —"

"Zain," his mum warns.

"Zain!" Freddie says, rushing at him with large eyes. "Mummy says you're leaving tomorrow!"

"We told you, didn't we, monster?" Zain says, picking him up when he starts pulling on Zain's shirt. "But you'll have Mummy and grandma, hm?" he adds, kissing his cheek. "It'll be loads of fun, you won't even miss me half as much as I'll miss you."

"No," Freddie frowns at him, hiding his face in Zain's neck.

Zain grimaces at his mum, rubbing Freddie's back. "Let's go inside," he says, "I'll get your bag later."

"That's fine," his mums says. "Hi, Harry," she adds. "How are you doing?"

"Good," Harry smiles back and goes in for a hug. "We got fancy baguettes and cheeses and everything, like one of those fancy boards, what's it called Zain?"

"No clue," Zain shrugs, rubbing his nose over Freddie's hair.

"Helpful. But anyways, because we didn't know if you'd be hungry and we're going out to dinner tonight, right, baby?" Harry babbles, a bit flustered.

Freddie grumbles into Zain's neck.

"We're having pizza and Orangina," Harry adds, touching Freddie's back as well.

Freddie turns slightly to eye him, but doesn't let go of Zain yet.

"Inside then, babe, huh?" Zain asks and Harry almost jumps, taking Trisha's arm to lead her inside.

"Hi Anne," Zain says, smiling at her where she's been left behind. "He's a bit nervous for some reason."

"I can see that," she says, leaning up to kiss his cheek. "So we're having pizza for dinner, did I hear right?"

"Yep," Zain says. "Someone's obsessed and Harry's been craving cheese a lot so that works out."

"Not obsessed," Freddie complains into Zain's neck.

"No?" Zain asks, blowing a raspberry on his neck. "Just wanting it always?"

"Yea," Freddie grins, touching Zain's nose ring. "Because it's the best."

"Better than strawberries?"

Freddie looks at him, torn. "It's different," he says like he has to make the toughest choice.

"Yea, it is," Zain reassures him, smoothing a hand over his hair. "Wanna show grandma your dinosaurs while we set up lunch?"

"Okay," Freddie nods, letting himself be set down easily. He runs off, probably to pull them from under the sofa.

"How do you keep Zain from spreading his mess everywhere?" Zain's mum is saying loudly, turning in a circle in the living room. "He usually leaves his things everywhere." Zain rolls his eyes. It's kind of what he asked her to do and also not at all.

But Harry shoots a smug look at Zain, clearly happy. It's worth being called a slob, again.

"One of the mums of Freddie's friends recommended it to Zain the other day," Harry explains like a tourist guide, Trisha on his left and Anne on his right as he leads them from the car to the restaurant. "It's small and mostly locals, apparently."

"Sounds perfect," Trisha says, turning slightly to smile at Zain and Freddie.

"I want pizza," Freddie announces again, bouncing along while clutching Zain's hand.

"Soon," Zain says, again, following Harry inside the dimly lit restaurant.

He keeps Freddie by his side through the flurry of French from the waiter and then Harry's attempts at stuttering half a sentence. They're shown to a table straight away, the remote corner cozy and private. Either Harry's French was a lot better than if had sounded or the waiter was a mind reader.

"Pizza," Freddie says again, taking the menu from the waiter and flipping it open with a frown. "Puh puh," he makes, looking for the letter. "P is a letter we don't have in our names," he explains, looking up at Anne like she might not know. "I know all the letters except some," he adds.

"Do you?" Anne smiles, obviously charmed at Freddie's self-proclaimed genius.

"Yea," Freddie nods. "Zain, what's that?"

"Pasta, monster," Zain says, "almost, hm. You remember how my name starts? It's in pizza as well, look for that."

"Yea!" Freddie nods, distracted, starting to make buzzing sounds.

"Zain," Harry says, leaning into him.

Zain raises his eyebrow at him. "Babe."

"I want pizza and fish," Harry says, putting his menu on top of Zain's to point out his choices. "So we'll share, yea?"

"Will we?"

"Pizza!" Freddie exclaims.

"Yea," Harry smiles, kissing his cheek. "Thanks. Mum, what are you having?" he asks, leaning forward.

Zain lets him twine their fingers together, squeezing, and leans towards Freddie. "Found it, nice. Which one do you want then, monster?"

"The one with the green leaves," Freddie says.

"Which green leaves?" Zain asks. "The tiny ones or the big ones mummy uses for salad?"

"No, that's yuck," Freddie says, wrinkling his nose. "The little ones! With the tomatoes."

"Kay," Zain nods, "and Orangina, hm?"

"Yea," Freddie nods, leaning over Zain to grab at Harry's bag. "Mummy, I need my cars!"

"Lettuce?" Trisha asks, confused, as Harry sorts out Freddie.

"Rocket," Zain says. His mum nods. "The name does not make it more appealing, we tried. What are you having?"

"Margarita as well, I think," his mum says, frowning at the menu. "I guess I should have fish while we're here but I do want a pizza."

"We'll have plenty of time for fish," Anne says, her eyes mostly on Harry and Freddie. "We can try a different restaurant every day if we want."

"Don't think there's that many," Zain says, taking the car Freddie hands him for safekeeping. "It's not that busy here."

"What are we talking about?" Harry asks, putting his chin on Zain's shoulder. Zain leans his chin against his hair and tries to catch a waiter's gaze.

"That was nice," Harry says, slipping into bed beside Zain and pressing his cold toes against Zain's leg. "Really just a nice evening, don't you think?"

Zain hisses. "Yea," he agrees, pulling Harry towards him. "You'll be ok?"

"Of course," Harry says softly, touching Zain's cheek with his finger tips. "I'll just miss you. And Freddie'll miss you."

"Yea," Zain grimaces. "Just a few days, though. Mum will bribe him into good mood."

"He's too stubborn to be bribed for long," Harry says, pulling Zain's hand to his belly. "And I can't be bribed with sweets at all, so what about me?"

"You'll be too busy to miss me," Zain answers, kissing Harry's jaw softly.

"Oh, that reminds me," Harry says. "Fingers crossed we'll be done soon. It's just a couple of scenes for me left and weather and light and all that depending, we might be done in a couple of weeks."

"Yea?" Zain smiles, pressing another kiss to Harry's chin. "I like that."

"I know, me too," Harry says, sounding as relived as Zain feels, an end to endless nights apart and driving and texting and calling instead of just being there. "And then you'll be the busy one and I can stay home and be lazy, that also sounds nice."

"You'll still get up before to do yoga probably," Zain yawns, pulling Harry closer.

"Probably," Harry agrees, kissing Zain. "Love you."

"Love you too," Zain echoes, slowly falling asleep to the push of Harry's slightly swollen belly against his and the sound of Harry's breathing.

"Monster, I'm leaving," Zain calls into the living room, patting his pockets to make sure he does have all the keys he needs but only those. "Come say goodbye?"

"I'm not talking to you," Freddie says from beneath the sofa.

"Baby, Zain's still leaving, are you sure you don't wanna say goodbye?" Harry adds, crouching down in front of the sofa to look at Freddie.

"I'm not talking to you," Freddie repeats.

"Love you, monster," Zain says. "I'll call tonight."

He shrugs at Harry, who looks more upset than Zain felt. It wasn't exactly great to be ignored and Freddie would regret it as soon as Zain was out the door, probably. It Zain couldn't say he wasn't a bit relieved that he didn't have a crying child attached to him. It was hard enough saying goodbye.

"Come on," Zain says, "you wanted to drive me."

"Yea but," Harry says, looking at Freddie's feet.

"Monster, grandma and Anne are gonna stay with you while Mummy drives me," Zain says. "Mummy'll be back in a bit. Grandma is in the kitchen."

"Bye," Freddie says callously.

"Come on," Zain smiles, kissing Harry's cheek. "Bye, my love," he adds to Freddie again.

"He's not gonna like it once he realises," Harry says, following Zain towards the front door and grabbing his own keys. "I'll be back in a bit," he calls into the house. "He'll cry."

"Yea, babe but if I force him to say goodbye properly that's not gonna change that at all," Zain says. "He'll just be in a shit mood and later he'll cry anyways."

"My poor baby," Harry says and starts crying.

"Babe, no," Zain says helplessly, chest tight, pulling him into a hug.

"I don't mean to," Harry sniffs into Zain's neck.

"I know," Zain soothes, blinking against the burning in his eyes. "I think you'd best stay here. I'll ask mum to drive me."

"Yea," Harry says weakly. "I'll just cry," he adds, sobbing again.

"Yea," Zain agrees, swallowing against the lump in his chest as he leads Harry back inside.

"Slight change of plans," he says to their mothers, who're sipping tea in the kitchen without a care in the world. "Mum, can you drive me?" he asks. "And Anne, could you?" he adds as Harry sniffles into his neck.

"Of course," Anne says, looking a bit amused as Harry wails "mum!" not unlike Freddie and let's himself be hugged.

"I'll call, love you," Zain says a bit helplessly.

Harry sobs something into Anne's shoulder, which doesn't really help.

"Come on," his own mum says, taking his hand and pulling him from the room gently. "Do you have the keys?"

"Yea," Zain says, a bit distracted. He follows his mum to the car, letting her have the keys and settling in the passenger seat without trying to drive. His stomach is squirming unpleasantly, part the anxiety he always gets before travelling, a bit for the meeting, but mostly because both Freddie and Harry were very upset and he was just leaving them.

"How are you, doing, sunshine?" Mum asks once they are on the main road, the sat nav falling silent for now.

"Good," Zain says. "Just don't like leaving," he adds when his mum raises her eyebrow. 

"Wondering if it's worth it," he adds after a moment. "Making Freddie be all over the place, you know?"

"It's always difficult," his mum says, frowning at him. "But it won't be long now, will it? Harry seemed very sure about being home again soon."

"Yea," Zain nods. "I think so. I mean. He's getting a bit big anyways."

"Don't they do that with cgi these days?" His mum says. "Lauren said something the other day because one of those actresses she likes apparently filmed while pregnant."

"I really don't know, mum," Zain shrugs. "Not sure it would be necessary for him. Those uniforms are really thick. Layered."

"You've seen him then?"

"Yea, forgot my key the other day. I don't wanna be around too much, I don't want Freddie in the press. Apparently that happens."

"Lauren's magazines needs their picture from somewhere, I guess," his mum says. "But you're excited for the exhibition? It's such a wonderful thing, don't you think?"

"Yea, I mean. It's great," Zain nods. "Don't know if it's properly sunk in, I guess?"

"Your baba and I want to come down for the opening, if we can. It's so exciting, I thought I could wear the outfit I wore for your auntie's wedding last year."

"That looked nice," Zain smiles, leaning across to kiss her cheek. "It's only abstract, though. I know you're not too into it."

"It's yours," his mum says, shooting him a quelling look. "And Anne's been showing me the paintings you did for her. You should do your sisters sometime for me, it'll be nice having a more recent one."

"Of course," Zain says, checking his phone for the time. "I'll have time without the monster."

"Hm," his mum makes. "Do you want me to ask Waliyha what she's doing?"

"I don't need watching, mum," Zain says, fighting an eyeroll.

"Of course," his mum says. "Waliyha has classes anyways, probably. That reminds me. Safaa will be disappointed she won't get to go to France, so you think she can come down to London for a bit during the summer or will you be too busy?"

"Harry's got the house in France through July, I think," Zain says. "And Freddie loves it, we kinda thought we might use it to have a holiday. I'm sure we can take Safaa. It will be very boring for her, though."

"You know she'll be excited for anything. It's always nice when she can go back after school and say she's been somewhere, all her friends always travel," his mum says, turning into the parking lot.

"Yea," Zain says. His friends had always stayed home during the summer as well, which was just as well. Hearing everyone say where they've been over the summer and never being able to even offer Cornwall was a bit of a downer.

"Thanks for driving, mum," he adds. "I hope you won't feel too awkward, with only Harry and his mum."

"Oh love," his mum sighs. "I will be perfectly fine. I'll have a great time probably, Anne and I get along really well."

"I noticed," Zain says, hugging her goodbye. "Give monster a kiss from me."

"Of course, my love," his mum says, cupping his cheek. "I am very proud of you, you know," she says, blinking back tears of her own.

"Mum," Zain says with a slight wince. "Not you as well."

She chuckles rubbing his cheek. "Get out then. I have a grandson to spoil."

"Love you," Zain says, and pulls himself away before the day could get even more emotional. It was not even noon and he was exhausted from saying goodbye.

He grabs his bag from the boot, shouldering it. "I'll call once I'm there, have a good time, mum."

"Love you!" His mum calls and reverses as he walks away. He waves and wonders if selling a few paintings was really worth all of this. He doesn't like saying goodbye at all.

the wife💛
calling

Good Morning.

Morning, babe. How're things? You're late.

It's raining, I got a call we'd start a bit later.
I just finished having breakfast, we're good. How are you? Sorry I was asleep yesterday.

It's fine, babe. I got home late. I told you how it was, didn't I?

You said: all good, babe. You also say that if I have to leave even though Freddie's in a bad mood.

It was good. Dunno what to say. Food was nice and fancy, everyone was nice and flattering. 'S just weird showing off and like, having to show your stuff off? And like, be nice to people who pay for it to be shown? So they might pay more and also buy some stuff?

Yea, I'd imagine that's not your favourite. But did you meet any other artists? You said there would be others.

Did, yea. Was nice. But some of them are super pretentious, one of them told me about his process and how he's reflecting society and then he painted like a green square. Not even a black one or like, I don't know red for blood or whatever. Green. Like? Is it a lawn? What's it supposed to be?

Well, we all want our garden to be nice and just the way we like. And most people like it lawny and square. Orderly, neat. No one touching their lawn. Thinking only about maybe getting a slightly bigger lawn.

Okay okay.
I'll take you with me next time, you snob.

I'm just talking shit, love. What did they say about your paintings?

Liked it I guess. Seemed genuine as well, as much as you can tell with the posh types. Oh, don't roll your eyes at me. They were!

I'm sure, my love. I'm very glad they liked them. I like them, too.

Yea, you and your whole family.

Yep. I'll give you Freddie, alright? I have to get ready.

Sure, where's he at? Better today?

So so, I'd say. Currently busy opening every wardrobe in hopes of Narnia or undiscovered games, yet very clingy.

He gets that from you.

Pretty sure he gets it all from you.
Love you, I'll text once I'm done and you can call once your done with work.

Sounds good. Love you, too.

He's already talked to Louis, by the way.

Okay.

Kiss.
Baby, Zain's on the phone.

Zain, it's raining!

I heard! What are you gonna do all day?

Dunno. Grandma and Anne say we'll have loads of fun but they also say we can't go swimming. Not even in the pool.

Sucks, huh, love?

Yea. But I'm looking for secrets now, and if I don't find any we're gonna draw everyone pictures, like you.

Yea? Who's everyone?

Everyone, Zain.  Dada, Daddy, Grandma, Mummy, Perrie and Gemma. Lottie and Safaa and Wali and Doniya and and... you!

Me as well?
Thanks, monster.

Yea. You're away. Mummy is only a bit away but it still counts.  But grandma says we have ice cream and we can have some after lunch even if it's raining.

Sounds like a great day, monster.

Yea.  Imma keep looking for secrets now, bye.

Bye monster. Love you. Have a good day, ok?

the wife💛
13:21
It's been raining all day I'm already done!
Call whenever xx

my love
calling

That was early. Sorry I just got home.

S fine.
We're playing Cluedo, Freddie fell asleep already.

Already? What did you do with him, I thought you were stuck indoors all day.

We're inventive, right?

Very!

We danced and then we did yoga and then we played hide and seek and he helped cook and had a bath which was almost as good as swimming, if you can believe it.

Not really.
Nothing compares to swimming.

Well, ask him tomorrow.

If you say so. Who's winning?

We don't know that, yet.

Okay, I'll let you play then. I wann shower and eat and fall asleep.

You haven't eaten?

Chill, you're an hour ahead. Bye, love you.
Mum, you too!

Bye, love!

Bye, Zain!

Bye, Anne, sorry.

It's fine.
Turn your phone silent when you go to bed, I'm gonna call once I go up but you don't have to answer if you're asleep.

Yea, Kay. Bye.

the wife💛
Missed Call

the wife💛
22:34
Sleep well xxx
Love you xxxx
Miss you xxxxx

the wife💛
Missed call

my love
9:41
overslept, sorry babe

the wife💛
12:09
Sleepy head xx
As long as you talked to Freddie, he's a bit upset
We can talk tonight

my love
12:24
yea, he is
lou'll be back sunday
love u my love

the wife💛
14:19
Love you too xxxx

Freddie's standing right behind the door when Harry opens it, pouting. He's wearing one of Zain's shirt like a cape and his hair is a mess, a dinosaur and one of his pirate swords in his hands. He looks like he's had a busy day.

"You were gone all day!" Freddie glares like he's been waiting when he really couldn't have been.

"But you had fun with your grandma, didn't you?" Harry says, kicking his shoes off and leaning down to pick up Freddie to kiss him hello. "Hi baby."

He feels sticky with sand and a day at work but Freddie doesn't seem to mind, leaning his cheek against Harry's.

"Were you playing pirate?" He asks, pulling on Zain's shirt and letting his bag drop next to his shoes.

"Yes," Freddie says, waving his foam sword around. "Grandma was trying to steal my ship so I had to fight her!"

"Yea?" Harry encourages him, carrying him into the living room where both Trisha and Anne are looking like they've had a busy day, sunk into the cushions.

He grins at them and his mum rolls her eyes back at him.

"We thought we'd go out for dinner," his mum says. "We walked past the cutest little restaurant earlier."

"Mum," Harry starts and then gives up, jiggling Freddie slightly to make him laugh. "When are we leaving?"

"As soon as you're ready," his mum says. "We're going as we are."

"Kay," Harry nods, dumping Freddie on the armchair dramatically and making him shriek in delight.

"Take your time," Trisha smiles at him, like she's worried.

Harry shoots her a proper smile. It's not that he doesn't like going out, he's just become rather hermit-like with Zain — and Freddie to consider.

"Toys," he says, jerking his chin at Freddie. Trisha nods at him.

"Where are you going?" Freddie asks, re-emerging from beneath the sofa.

"Showering, baby," Harry says, letting Freddie grab at his jeans.

"I'm coming with," Freddie announces. "I have a new boat for the beach we can float it."

"I'm just taking a really quick shower, baby," Harry says, catching him before he can run up the stairs. "And then we're leaving to eat. Go pack some toys to take, hm. Where have you put your pens?"

"Dunno," Freddie says, undeterred. "The boat is really cool, mummy!"

"It's not gonna float in the shower, love," Trisha says, smiling at Harry conspiringly. "You can show him later properly, leave him to shower alone. We'll pack your new puzzle as well, come on. The one with the dinosaurs."

"Oh," Freddie says, hesitating.

Harry frees himself, trusting Trisha to keep him occupied with more lures of interesting distractions and another firm admonishment of leaving Harry be for a moment. It's weird. He doesn't really know her properly, yet, but he has more in common with her simply because of Freddie. It is a strange connection he always has with Louis as well when they try and wrangle Freddie.

He shakes his head, stripping down quickly and turning the shower on. He'll be quick, actually hungry after a day near the sea, and if they returned early maybe he would have time for more than just a quick goodnight call with Zain.

"Grandma," Freddie says, hanging off Harry's leg with one leg thrown over it and clutching Harry's sweater. "Why is dada not with you?"

"Because Anne and I wanted to take a trip," Trisha says, taking a sip of her wine. She looks amused and relaxed, not at all like she's stuck in another country with people she barely knows — and a very demanding grandkid. "Just us women, love."

"Mummy doesn't like going places without Zain," Freddie says confidently, still using Harry's leg like a jungle gym.

"I don't like leaving your dada either, but sometimes you still want to do things on your own or with someone else," Trisha says, shooting Harry an amused look.

Harry shakes his head slightly, always impressed at Freddie and how astute he could be.

"I guess," Freddie says, frowning. "Did you know Zain put a seed inside Mummy? That's why he's having a baby."

"We assumed as much," Trisha says seriously, her eyes sparkling. Harry presses both his hands to his face, staring at the sky.

"Okay," Harry says, "Time to go home, maybe."

"Why?" Freddie frowns at him, the picture of innocent confusion.

"We're done with dinner, aren't we?" Harry says a bit desperately.

"Grandma is still drinking. And your mummy, too," Freddie explains condescendingly. "We can't go."

"That's right," Harry's mum says, grinning at him. "Don't rush, love. We're having such a nice time."

"Sure," Harry says, rolling his eyes at her after making sure Freddie is distracted with Harry's necklaces.

His mum sticks his tongue out at him, already a bit slushed, more nuisance than anything. He hugs Freddie towards him and checks his phone again.

"We should get back, though," he says, finishing his water. "It's almost bedtime and Louis is gonna call."

"Daddy always calls," Freddie says, his eyes wide with surpressed exhaustion. "He's in America," he explains to Harry's mum. "That's far away so he sleeps at weird times because the sun is on the other side of the earth."

"Really?" Anne says like she's never heard of that before. She probably hasn't, not in the way Freddie's describing it.

"Yea," Freddie nods, eager for an audience as Harry flags down the waiter by making awkward attempts at eye contact. "It's because the earth is a ball! And it turns!"

Harry lets him impart his knowledge - or at least understanding - on his grandmothers, feeling both lonely and very much not, somehow. He misses Zain.

"Oui, monsieur?" the waiter asks and Harry tries his best to remember his French.

"Hi, babe," Zain yawns at him when he picks up, half his face hidden by his pillow.

"Hi," Harry says, trying to catch his breath. "Are you in bed already?"

"Nothing else to do without you here," Zain shrugs. "Why are you panting?"

"Because you knocked me up and I get short of breath at the stupidest times," Harry says, fighting the grin that still always threatens to burst out when he actively remembers he's pregnant.

"Yea," Zain yawns. "That was a bit reckless."

"Yea," Harry agrees, grinning. "Did you talk to Priya about when you're able to come back?"

"Yea," Zain nods, scratching his nose. "So apparently they do a recap after soft openings while it's still fresh and all so I'll probably come down with Lou on Sunday afternoon."

"Louis's definitely arriving Sunday?" Harry asks, not even trying to mask his disappointment. Freddie isn't the only one a bit unmoored without Zain.

"Yep," Zain nods. "He'll lose his shit if they try to push his flight back again, I'm sure. He's really close to losing his shit anyways."

"Really? I haven't spoken to him in ages," Harry frowns, trying to get comfortable. "I mean. I said hello a few times when he's called for Freddie."

"He's annoyed at work and then being away from Freddie makes it worse. Bad communication and all that. Tell me about your day?" Zain asks, yawning again.

Harry stuffs his pillow under his cheek, leaning the phone against the spare pillow. "Nothing to say really, I hope to go back home with you once you're here, I've been asking if my continuous presence was needed or maybe if I could just come back if they need me, you know? They're looking into it."

"That's good, I like that."

"Yea," Harry smiles. "And then Freddie's been Freddie, you know. But clingy. Very much liking being the centre of the attention."

"Oh yea, I can imagine."

"Hm. Explained how I got pregnant to our mums earlier. It was great."

"Did he?" Zain grins.

"Oh yea," Harry shrugs, watching Zain blink slowly, sleepy. "Your mum is very sweet."

"I know," Zain smiles. "Is she taking care of you?"

"She's not here to take care of me, Zain," Harry says softly. "But yea. What about you? Why are you this tired?"

"Dunno," Zain yawns. "It's weirdly stressful making decisions like that. And meeting strange people all day. And I miss you."

"I miss you, too, love. But you'll be back soon."

"Yea. Yea," Zain says slowly. "And you? Apart from having trouble catching your breath?"

"Just sometimes," Harry yawns as well. "It's not too bad. No vertigo either, they say it could happen."

"Who says?"

"The internet."

"Right. Oh, the app says it's an avocado. That's is a weird shape to reference, don't you think?"

"Why?" Harry laughs a bit, pressing his hand to his belly again. He's trying not to get too used to doing it because he doesn't want to announce his pregnancy to the world because he's carelessly patted his belly in sight of the wrong people, but it's more difficult than he had thought it would be. He likes the physical reminder, he knows Zain likes it, too.

"Everything else they reference is round," Zain complains, sounding a bit like Freddie. He likes the reminders of Zain in Freddie, knowing Zain has been and still is such a constant in his life.

"Not everything. There was the lemon. And the strawberry."

"Hm," Zain makes, not convinced.

Harry very much wants to kiss him. "Miss you. And so does the avocado."

"Sure, babe," Zain says. "Miss you, too, though. I'll call tomorrow. On time. I'm gonna fall asleep."

"Okay," Harry nods, touching Zain's face on the screen. "Love you. So much."

"Love you, too," Zain says and doesn't hang up.

Harry watches him fall asleep, longing to touch him. He's always been tactile but Zain — who was at least as bad — and also Freddie, who was constantly in his space, somehow seemed to amplify it. He's not used to an empty bed anymore and almost wants to go get Freddie. He refrains and listens to Zain's even breaths until he falls asleep as well.

"Harry, get up!"

Harry grunts, jerking awake, completely disoriented for a moment and slapping around for his phone. His mum hasn't woken him up in ages.

"What's wrong?" Harry asks, stumbling towards the door half blind with sleep.

"Nothing," his mum says, looking completely relaxed. "It's late you, need to get to work."

Harry blinks at her, scratching his nose and trying to catch up. "Where's Freddie?" he asks, clearing his throat.

"Downstairs," his mum says, patting his belly gently. "He's telling Trisha about the spider he saw. You're getting big."

"You keep saying that," Harry says, pulling at his tshirt. "Why didn't he come wake me?"

His mum laughs, cupping his cheeks and kissing him quickly. "Don't be jealous, love. He was on his way and got distracted. And we thought you might like the hour of extra sleep. Come on. Get ready. Breakfast is waiting."

"Kay," Harry nods, feeling out of sorts. He's so used to having Freddie demand his attention first thing in the morning, it's disconcerting. "Thanks," he adds, making his way back into the bedroom.

He checks his phone, but Zain's only texted a quick good morning and to tell he's already talked to Freddie. Gemma's sent him a random picture of her breakfast for whatever reasons and there are couple of emails waiting. Nothing that won't be able to wait until he's in the car.

"Morning," he smiles at Trisha, ruffling Freddie's hair and leaning down to kiss his cheek. "How did you sleep, baby?"

"Good," Freddie says around a mouthful of waffle. "Grandma made waffles."

"I can see," Harry smiles, kissing him again quickly. "Thank you."

"We've been thinking, love," his mum says, pushing a plate towards him. "What are your plans for tomorrow? Are you still having the day off?"

"Yea," Harry says, taking a strawberry under Freddie's watchful gaze and frowning at her quizzically. "Why?"

"Trisha and I want to go to Paris for a few days," his mum says. "And if we wanna do that we should go tomorrow."

"We were thinking about it," Trisha says, shooting his mum a look. "And only if it's alright with you. We are happy to wait for Zain or Louis to arrive."

Harry grins at her, amused. "I don't mind. We'll be fine, right, baby?"

"Huh?" Freddie makes, mouth full, looking up from where he's arranging fruit on his plate with his fingers.

"Like his father," Harry says, ruffling Freddie's hair.

"Which one?" Trisha grins back at him. "They both are excellent at that clueless face."

"Yea," Harry nods, enjoying the moment of companionship. It was weird that his mum knew her better than him, even though it was him that was dating her son. And having her grandchild.

He bites his lip against his smile and turns to his mum. "It's fine, I'll ask today if the schedule is fixed and if it is, I'm gonna be here with Freddie anyways."

"Excellent," his mum nods. "Trisha needs to be back home so soon and I don't wanna rush her through the sights, Paris is way too nice for that."

"That's true," Harry agrees, wrapping his arms around Freddie when he crawls onto his lap. "Paris is very nice."

"Daddy says Paris is boring," Freddie interjects.

"When has your dad been to Paris, Freddie?" Trisha asks, raising an eyebrow.

Freddie shrugs. "Dunno. Mummy, grandma and grandma and me are going to the beach today but not the beach here, another beach. We have to go with the car."

"Really?" Harry asks, stroking his hair.

"Yea," Freddie nods and snags a raspberry of Harry's plate.

"Just for the variety " his mum says. "We'll be back before you."

"Sure," Harry shrugs, kissing the side of his head. "I gotta get ready for work, baby. Come brush your teeth with me?"

"Yea," Freddie nods, sticking close to Harry as they get up. "I dreamt I was a car."

"A car? Wow," Harry says, putting his plate away. "What were you doing as a car?"

the wife 💛
calling

Hey.

Hey, babe. How are you?

Good, tired. How are you? You barely texted all day.

We were busy at the gallery and then I had to go back to get the suit altered because I tore a seam.

Oh no, how?

Just putting up some extra lights. Meant to text but the time got away from me.

That's okay. I was busy as well. Miss you, though. Are you excited for tomorrow?

More like glad when it's over. It's a shit ton of preparations and it's just the soft opening.

Hopefully the opening won't have anything to deal with before because everything will work out great tomorrow.

Yea, let's hope so.

You don't sound excited, Zain.

Sorry, babe. Just exhausted. And it's nerve wracking, the whole process and people judging you.

You'll be brilliant, love. Your art is amazing.

Hm. We'll see. Also missing you. You know I get in a shit mood when I'm alone.

Yea. And not even the monster to keep you occupied.

Yea. Keeping you busy.

And the grandmas. Speaking off. They've hit it off. Going on a away date to Paris and all.

When? I thought mum has to go back to work?

They're leaving tomorrow.

Tomorrow? You'll be alone?

With Freddie. Yea. Why are you frowning, you know Freddie's fine with me.

Yea course. Just, babe, you'll be alone abroad.

In France. Like, three hours away for not even the entire weekend.

Can't they leave Sunday?

Not if you mum wants to do more than just breathe in some metro air, I don't think.
You're not seriously worried, are you?

Yea, I am. I don't know.

Love, I know you're stressed and lonely and not good at coping but really, I will be fine. We will be fine. And you will be here Sunday evening and can see for yourself.

Yea. Louis lands Sunday morning, he's coming with.

Okay, see. You'll be here soon and have all of us with you again, no need to worry.

Yea, okay.

Okay. Go to sleep then. Close your eyes and all and I'll tell you of monster's mischief until you fall asleep, how does that sounds.

Miss you.

Miss you, too, love. Close your eyes. Come on.

Love you.

Love you, too. I won't start telling you until you close your eyes.

They're closed, babe.

Hm. So, your darling monster went to a the beach today. We are all very thankful that it's a beach a few towns over because you darling child —

Did he murder someone? It sounds like he murdered someone when you talk like that.

Not quite.

Oh god.

You're supposed to fall asleep, close your eyes.

How can I do that when you make it sound like he caused a minor panic or something.

It's mostly embarrassing, don't worry. And our mums had to deal with it so.

Cool.

Right? Anyways, your darling child —

Why is he mine? Not sure what he did but let's blame Louis.

Doesn't have the same ring to it. Anyways, the monster saw a pregnant lady there. The monster, in his excitement, apparently went up to said lady and demanded to know if she'd swallowed a toy for her yet unborn child.

Nice.

Yea. He also told her all about how his mummy would not swallow a toy and how the baby would be all bored because of it and if maybe the lady could go talk to his mummy about it.

It's good he cares, I guess.

Yea. It's great. Apparently there was some confusion because the women didn't have a lot of English and none of our mums really speak French. But yea. Guess we can watch out for that now.

My sweet monster.

Yea. He is. Wanna hear what he dreamt? You're still very awake.

Don't think I'm gonna fall asleep while you're talking. Don't wanna miss anything.

Zain... Alright. We'll hang up then. Call whenever you can tomorrow, it'll be just Freddie and me chilling. And text me pictures once you're dressed up.

I will. Love you, babe.

Love you, too. Sleep well.

the wife 💛
9:10
Mums just left, we're going to the beach (where else) so if i don't answer we're in the water

my love
9:47
just woke up
call when u got time
leaving at noonish

the wife 💛
10:17
on our way back, someone needs a nap already

the wife 💛
calling

That someone you or the kid?

Both maybe. Good morning to you, too. We might actually be fine with just a snack and a bit of quiet time, huh, baby?

I want strawberries.

Of course. One stone, Freddie.

But I need both!

You can pick the other tomorrow, put it somewhere you'll find it again.

Getting death glares now, are you?

A bit.
Freddie, I see you.

Mummy!

One, Freddie.
So, how are the nerves? How's the mood?

About the same as the monster's, I'd say. Just that I can't hide my face in your clothes all day.

Tomorrow you can.

Yea. Babe.

Hm?

Miss you.

Want us to come over, love? We can be there this afternoon.

With monster in that mood? Wouldn't put you through that.

Okay... Zain, if you don't want to do this you don't have to. We can pay any penalty fee they've set.

No, I'm just whiney. It's just nerves and being lonely.

Okay, if you're sure. I'll take a crabby monster on the drive if you want.

No, you'd get here just in time for me to leave. I'll be there tomorrow.

You can ask Gemma and Perrie to come down. I'm sure they'd be delighted to be a distracting pain in the - you know.

Nah, they'll just annoy me. Has he made his decision?

Yea, one stone abandoned cruelly. We're almost at the house.

Gimme him? I need to start getting ready soon.

Sure. Call anytime, yea? Sneak to the loo or something.

Yea, love you.

Love you, too.
Baby, Zain's on the phone for you.

Zain?

Hi, love. How's it going? You having fun with Mummy?

Yea, we were at the beach and now we're having strawberries.

Sounds good, my monster. What else are you gonna do today?

Dunno. Maybe draw a picture. Or read or dance. Mummy, we haven't in ages. Oh, there is the house, bye!

Bye, love.

Hi, me again. Got the honours of hanging up.

Generous of him. Give him a kiss from me.

You know I will. Have fun, my love, alright?

Sure, babes. Love you.

You too.
Freddie!

the wife 💛
17:21
Good luck xxxx
Everyone will love you, I know it.
Love you more though!

my love
18:32
😘

19:03
so many people...

the wife 💛
19:06
Love you
Call me if you need a moment away
You can tell everyone I'm a crazy pregnant person

my love
19:52
it's ok. i think they're happy and priya's giving me very unsubtle thumbs up

the wife 💛
19:52
👍🏻👍🏻🦖🦕🐳🐋🐋🐋🦖🍓🍓
This message was brought to you by Freddie... Supposed to be just the thumbs up
We both love you and are very proud
🍓🦖
🐋💖😘😘
🦕🐳💚🦖
😎🐶

my love
20:41
kisses

the wife 💛
21:56
I assume it's going well
I'm going to sleep, call me when you wake up tomorrow xx

my love
23:12
will do, going well
miss uuuuuuu
💛💛💛

"What's that?" Freddie asks, pointing at the strawberries.

"Baby, you know what they are," Harry says, gently catching Freddie's hands before they poke at the fruit, praying for patience.

He loves Freddie and he has missed him so very much, but he was exhausted from filming and missing Zain and Freddie and everyone and from being pregnant, which had turned out a lot more tiring than he'd have expected, all the backaches and nausea and peeing. And Freddie is exuberant as always and happy to see Harry again, exuding energy when Harry just needs sleep and quiet.

"Strawberries," Freddie says. "But they're different in France-ish."

"French, baby," Harry corrects, amused. "It's called French."

"That's weird," Freddie shrugs, touching a carton of raspberries. "Can we get those? What are those?"

"Framboises," Harry reads off the sign and hopes no French person is close by to listen to him butcher their language. "Either raspberries or strawberries, baby. They'll go bad before we eat them all."

"No, they won't," Freddie protests, standing on his tiptoes to grab a carton of raspberries and put it into the shopping cart carefully, tongue poking out at the side of his mouth. "I'll eat loads and grandma and grandma will help."

"Will they?" Harry asks, watching Freddie select strawberries with an intense expression on his face. "They're both in Paris, though."

"But they'll be back," Freddie sighs like Harry's especially trying. "Grandma loves raspberries, she said."

"Did she?" Harry says, gently pushing the cart forward and not bothering got argue that they would not be coming back. Zain and Louis would arrive, though, so there was that.

Freddie attaches himself to Harry's waist, clinging and making it difficult to walk.

"Do you wanna sit in the cart?" Harry asks, trying to distract him. Freddie shakes his head stubbornly.

Harry stops in front of the cheese selection and strokes his hair, ignoring the way Freddie's pushing his head under Harry's shirt to push his nose against his belly as he tries to remember which cheese he was still allowed and which Zain had liked.

Freddie seems to finally have enough of abusing Harry's clothes and emerges, picking up cheeses at random to hand Harry.

"Baby, don't touch everything. We look with our eyes not hands," he says.

"But mummy," Freddie says, like he's been saying a lot.

"I mean it," he says and gives up on the cheeses, selecting a few at random. "Just your Orangina left, baby, then we can go home."

"Yes," Freddie cheers, squeezing between Harry and the cart to stand on it. "I love Orangina. We got all my favourites, mummy. Are we really having a babyclue?"

"Yea," Harry nods. "We'll start once we get home."

"Cool. I wanna light the fire."

"We'll see," Harry says because he's not up for supervising that.

"Daddy always lets me," Freddie protests.

"While he's standing right next to you," Harry says, stroking his hair and grabbing a few of the smaller bottles of Orangina, hoping Freddie wouldn't see the large ones. "Guess we'll have to wait for your dad."

Freddie sighs in annoyance, hanging himself over the handle of the cart a bit. It occurs to Harry that he hasn't mentioned Louis arriving today to Freddie and he's not sure Zain has either. A nice surprise then. Which he was not gonna reveal in the middle of the supermarket.

"Merci, au revoir," Freddie chirps as always as they pull away from the till, the words slurred together enough that he sounds perfectly French in his parroting.

"Mummy," Freddie says as they move up the escalator slowly.

"Freddie?"

"Why is your baby growing so slowly?"

"It's growing at a normal speed. Like every other baby."

"It feels slow," Freddie says, poking at Harry's belly.

"I'm impatient, too, baby," Harry says, taking Freddie's hand to make his way through the parking garage. "But we can't hurry it, can we? The baby need to grow their fingers and toes and their nose and everything."

"Everything?" Freddie gasps.

"Yea," Harry nods, unlocking the car. "We can look at some books later. Come on, hop in."

"But hurry," Freddie sighs. "You always take ages to make everything in the boot and I get bored."

"I'm putting it in the boot as quickly as I can, baby. Patience, huh. You got your dino?"

"It's a brontosaurus, mummy," Freddie corrects him, holding the toy up by its neck.

"Yea," Harry says, kissing the side of Freddie's head and going to put the groceries into the car as quickly as he can before he gets reprimanded by an almost five-year-old again.

Freddie's busy growling to himself the whole way back, which is nice and relaxing.

Harry's heart skips a beat when he pulls into the driveway and Louis's car is there, waiting.

They must have heard the gravel because the door opens just as Harry turns off the car.

"Daddy!" Freddie shrieks at an ear splitting volume, scrambling to get out of his seat at once.

Louis is already on the way to free him, quicker than Harry would be, so Harry leaves them to it, fighting the urge to follow Freddie's lead and simply throw himself at Zain.

"Hi," he says, cupping Zain's face and kissing him quickly and then again. "You're early, have you been waiting long? Hi." He kisses him again, stroking his thumbs over the stubble on Zain's cheeks. "You look tired."

"Didn't sleep much, we left as soon as Louis got home. Been here maybe half an hour, forgot to text," Zain shrugs, hugging Harry back tightly.

"That's fine, just happy you're here," Harry says, pressing his smile against Zain's cheek. "You can take a nap while I get food sorted."

"S fine," Zain says, rubbing his hand over Harry's belly. "You don't look tired."

"Don't sound so surprised," Harry huffs, kissing Zain again. "I told you I'm good."

"Mm," Zain makes sleepily, leaning more of his weight on Harry. "Missed you."

"I know, love," Harry says softly, stroking Zain's hair. "Me too. Let's go inside. Come on."

Zain grunts in protests but detaches himself — mostly — following Harry to the boot.

"What did you buy?" he frowns, yawning.

"Food," Harry says drily. "I didn't know what you would feel like so I got a bit more to barbecue. Or babyclue as it is in Freddie's words. We can freeze the rest for next week or something."

"Didn't he call it something else last time?" Zain yawns again, picking up two of the bags. "And Orangina, I see."

"Yea," Harry says, shrugging. "So I gave in again."

"Happens," Zain shrugs back, kicking the front door open with his foot. Freddie is chatting somewhere inside, talking a mile a minute and sounding like he's ready to bounce off the walls.

Harry wraps his arms around Zain as soon as he has his hands free again, kissing him properly this time, safely inside and away from their nosy child.

"I'm gonna say hi to the kid if he notices me and then we can have a little nap upside, huh?" Zain asks, squeezing Harry's arse.

"A nap," Harry grins at him, kissing jaw. "Sure."

"It something like it," Zain shrugs, brushing his nose against Harry's. "Yea?"

"Yea," Harry says. "Go on then. No time to waste. Lemme put the groceries away while you say hi."

"Okay," Zain smirks, patting his butt on the way out the kitchen. Harry rolls his eyes after him but can't stop the wide grin that's taking up his face, humming to himself as he stuffs their groceries into the fridge and appropriate cupboards.

"Alright," Louis says just as he puts away the last of the oatmeal boxes.

"Almost perfect. You?" Harry responds, watching Louis drain a glass of water.

"Flight dehydrated me," he explains, going back for a second. "Monster babbled something about barbecue?"

"Oh, yea, if you don't mind. Bought loads," Harry shrugs, washing an apple to cut up for Freddie. "Can you start up the fire? Freddie wants to help."

"Of course he does," Louis yawns. "My monster. Apple for him?"

"Yep," Harry grins. "Otherwise he'll starve after such an awful long trip and all the waiting for the baby clue."

Louis snorts in agreement, stuffing an apple slice into his mouth and winking at Harry as he walks out of the kitchen with the little bowl. "Cheers, mate."

Harry rolls his eyes after him and starts his way upstairs to wait for Zain.

"Babe," Zain says, stroking Harry's cheek.

Harry blinks at him, sleepy.

"You fell asleep. You really just wanted a nap, huh?"

"Didn't mean to," Harry says, wrapping his arms around Zain and pulling him down.

"Got away from the monster?" he asks, wrapping his legs around Zain's waist and kissing the corner of his mouth.

"Wasn't easy once he realised I was there. He's like a little hyped up squirrel. No attention span. But Louis's got him distracted again."

"He missed you," Harry says, letting go of Zain to help him take off his shirt. "He's been cross with you for not being here."

"I know."

"Yea," Harry says and pushes Zain's jeans down. "You'll have to tell me all about yesterday later. Good isn't really enough."

"Yea," Zain says against Harry's skin, hooking his fingers into Harry's waistband. "Babes."

"Yea," Harry agrees, wiggling out of his shorts. "I'll stop the conversation. Go on then."

"Go on then," Zain says, kissing Harry and grinning down at him. "What do you think is happening here?"

"Oh shut it," Harry says, lets himself get lost in Zain's kisses and touches, arching up when Zain finally does get on with it, pushing into him slowly. "Zain."

"Babe," Zain answers, dropping his forehead against Harry's. "Love you."

"Love you, too," Harry answers, cupping Zain's cheeks and touching his thumb to his lip, softly, sinking himself into it, in Zain, in having Zain close again, inside him.

He breathes in Zain, takes in the touch of his palms, his fingers, his lips, the brush of his belly against Harry's until it's all too much and he comes, clinging to Zain like it will prolong it, make him unable to pull away.

Zain comes with a grunt, shuddering, pressing his face into Harry's neck. Harry wraps himself around him more tightly, holding him and pressing his nose against the damp hair at Zain's temple until Zain starts to pull away.

"Your belly will be too big for that soon," Zain yawns, laying down next to Harry and kissing his hair.

"I know," Harry says, rubbing the swell of it, stretching before curling properly onto his side.

"The only position you allow, gone. What then, huh," Zain teases, pulling Harry back against him.

"That's not true," Harry protests and then frowns. He hasn't really realised but it was true, wasn't it?

Zain snorts. "Brat," he says fondly, patting Harry's belly. "I'm gonna nap, babes. Am knackered."

"Yea," Harry nods, linking their fingers and turning around slightly to kiss Zain. "I'm gonna go down to help Louis in a bit. I'll wake you later."

"Kay," Zain slurs, already mostly asleep.

Harry leans back against him, stroking his thumb over Zain's hand and listening to his breaths even out. Another moment and then he'd join Louis and Freddie downstairs.

"Mornin'," Zain mumbles into Harry's skin when he finally wakes up.

"Good morning," Harry answers, stroking Zain's hair from his forehead. "Sleep well, did you?"

"Course," Zain mutters, burrowing deeper under the covers. "Why do you have tea?"

"Because I went and got it," Harry grins, scratching the short hair at the back of Zain's head. "I also got myself some fruit and a book. Proper Sunday morning."

"Yea" Zain yawns. "Nice."

"Wanna tell me about the gallery?" Harry asks, watching him scrunch up his eyes again, stretching slightly.

"Not that much to tell," Zain shrugs, leaning across Harry to steal his tea. He sputters. "I forgot you drink that herbal stuff now," he complains, pulling a grimace. "Nasty."

"Not really," Harry grins, taking the mug from him. He takes a large sip, making a happy sound at the end just to annoy Zain a bit.

Zain grunts and presses his face against Harry's belly. "You're too awake."

"Why do you not wanna talk about it? Was it that bad?" Harry asks instead of raising to the bait.

"No, it was fine. Nice. Weird but nice," Zain shrugs, turning his head to look at Harry, still blinking sleepily.

"Weird how?"

"They were just so gushy, I don't know. And rich people are weird. No offence. I mean," he adds, smirking slightly. "You're weird, too, so I guess that shouldn't've come as a surprise."

"Thanks, love," Harry says drily.

Zain grins at him, nose scrunched up and way too cute for the arsehole he was.

"But anyways, there were a lot of self-congratulatory speeches by the people with money, some gushing, some weird statements on politics, I think, and loads of alcohol. It was good. Food was nice, too. Now we wait for the opening and see if everyone is still happy then."

"I'm sure they will be," Harry says, stroking Zain's cheek. "You still don't sound too enthusiastic."

"'s nerve-wrecking, isn't it?" Zain shrugs. "Everyone judging you. And it's not really got much to do with making art at this point, does it? It's just playing nice with random people."

"And you don't like people, that's true. Well. Just the opening and then you can be a misanthrope again. Just Freddie and me and a few select people."

"Sounds good," Zain says, closing his eyes again. "What's the app say today? I'm thinking grapefruit."

Harry unlocks his phone, pulling up the baby app. "Pomegranate," he says, taking another sip of his tea. "I guess if it's one of the big ones, it could be a grapefruit."

"Hi pomegranate," Zain says, patting Harry's belly. "What are you causing this week?"

"Stretch marks," Harry says, skimming the article. "And - you're gonna like this - increased bodily fluids."

Zain squints up at him. "Increased? You're already super sweaty."

"Thank you, my love," Harry says, rolling his eyes. "Your support is appreciated."

Zain shrugs. "Just saying. No judgement."

"I'm gonna go take a shower now anyways. Wanna come with?" Harry says, emptying his mug. "Getting hungry."

"Always," Zain yawns, rolling onto his back. "Could also do with food. You should make cinnamon rolls again, we haven't had them in ages."

"When we're back home," Harry says, opening the window and looking out towards the sea for a moment. He can't say he only has good memories of this place, too many nights lonely, but it was defining nice to wake up here. Maybe they could return for a holiday once everything was taken care off.

"Babe," Zain says from the bathroom.

"Coming," Harry answers.

"I have a plan," Harry says, bursting in through the bedroom door like he took lessons from Freddie.

"Go away, I'm sleeping," Zain says, pulling the blanket over his head.

"Nope," Harry says, letting himself fall onto the bed and bouncing once before patting Zain's arse. "I have to leave for work in like ten minutes. Come on, get up. If you get drunk with Louis you have to deal with the consequences."

"Babe," Zain pouts, pulling down the blanket to give Harry his best puppy eyes. Freddie learned from the best after all. He isn't even feeling that bad but it was kinda nice, having Harry tease him happily and full of energy again.

"Zain," Harry smiles, leaning forward to kiss Zain. "I have the perfect plan. You wanna know?"

"Does it involve me sleeping?" Zain asks, cupping the back of Harry's neck and pulling him down gently, kissing him.

"It does, actually," Harry grins against his lips. "Exciting, huh?"

"A bit," Zain agrees, poking at Harry's dimple. "What's the plan then, babes?"

"Well, we still haven't watched the stars with Freddie. And we're leaving Wednesday so time is running out," Harry says.

Zain cups his face between his hands to watch him, squishing his cheeks slightly.

"If you mention frogs once," Harry warns him, then grins widely. "It's nice enough at night I thought we could sleep in the garden tonight. Look at the stars, have a sleepover. Maybe another barbecue so we can eat all the leftovers. It will be fun."

"It will be," Zain agrees.

"And Freddie will love it," Harry beams.

"He will."

"So," Harry says, letting Zain kiss him for a moment before pulling away. "You and Louis need to figure out how. Because just sleeping on the floor will be too uncomfortable and probably cold. Maybe drive into town and find some air mattresses? We don't need a tent but I don't know if it might be too windy?"

"We'll figure it out," Zain soothes, leaning up to kiss Harry's cheek. "It's a great idea, babes."

"All my ideas are great," Harry brags, kissing Zain again. "I gotta go, I let you sleep in a bit."

"Thanks, babe," Zain says, hiding his yawn against his arm. "Is the monster awake?"

"Of course," Harry grins. "He's downstairs. Louis is still MIA as well so you better get up."

"Mm," Zain agrees. "Thanks, babes."

"Your welcome, love," Harry says, kissing Zain's nose obnoxiously. "See you later. Don't miss me too much."

"I'll try," Zain says too earnestly, squeezing Harry's fingers a for a moment. "Bye. Don't let the pomegranate distract you."

"Idiot," Harry grins, kissing Zain quickly. "Love you, see you tonight."

"Love you, too," Zain calls after him, forlorn. He sighs, listening to the sounds of Harry leaving and then Freddie's steps on the stairs.

He smiles, waiting for Freddie to turn up in the door.

"Zain," Freddie says disapprovingly, frowning sternly and still wearing pyjamas. "I'm all alone downstairs."

"Are you?" Zain asks, patting the bed next to him. "Wanna join me?"

"I wanna play with my Legos," Freddie says, hopping onto the bed despite his words.

"What are you playing?" Zain asks, tickling Freddie slightly.

Freddie giggles, squirming. "Police," Freddie answers. "I saw loads yesterday with Daddy."

"Did ya?" Zain asks, watching Freddie drive a car up his leg. "That's exciting."

"They were loud," Freddie says, laying down next to Zain. "When are you getting up?"

"In a moment, monster," Zain says, hugging him and kissing his head. "Wanna go wake your dad?"

"Yea," Freddie perks up, freeing himself immediately.

"Give him a kiss," Zain yawns, only feeling slightly cruel as Freddie dashes from the room, eager to jump onto Louis and chat his ear off probably.

"It's the moon!" Freddie says sleepily, again, pointing towards the sky.

"Yea," Louis yawns back at him. "Still."

Harry huffs a laugh into Zain's neck, idly curling his fingers against Zain's stomach, snuffling closer. He was almost as drowsy as Freddie, barely moving.

"Where's the Big Dipper again, monster?" Zain asks, stroking Harry's ear with his thumb.

He watches Freddie's arms flail fondly as he gestures around, pointing and babbling half-asleep but still too excited to give up. Harry's breathing evens out against his neck, deepening.

"Next time, I need to take an astronomy class before," Louis yawns when Freddie finally gives in to sleep, falling asleep with his fingers curled into Zain's shirt. "Where do all the questions come from?"

"Yea," Zain agrees, stroking Freddie's hair. "Nosy."

"I kinda already feel sorry for his teachers," Louis says. "Can't believe he's going to school in a few months. Mum keeps telling me how often I destroyed my uniform the first year. He's gonna be worse."

"Nah," Zain grins at Louis through the dim light from where they've left their kitchen light on. "He's an angel compared to you."

Louis grunts in reluctant agreement, yawning again. "I don't know if I can fall asleep here, it's super weird to be out in the open."

"Yea," Zain agrees even though he can already feel sleep making him slow and heavy. "s nice, though. I like the sea. Not as much as monster but..."

"Yea, 's nice," Louis nods. "But sandy. Could do without. Go to sleep, idiot, I can hear you're about to."

"But I don't want you to feel scared, babes," Zain teases, yawning.

"I think you're confusing me," Louis says, reaching across Freddie to poke him. "Fuck off."

"If you fuck off inside, put monster between us, yea?"

"I'll wake you," Louis says. "Don't think yours will leave any space for that. Worse than Freddie."

"He doesn't kick," Zain yawns, not bothering to open his eyes anymore. "See ya."

Louis snorts. "See you," he echoes.

"I'll be home late," Harry says over Freddie's enthusiastic retelling of their night outside. "We have to finish everything today."

"I know," Zain says, cheek in hand as he tries to keep his eyes open. He hasn't really slept well outside — too many unfamiliar noises and sights. It was worth it for Freddie's bouncing excitement, though.

"Have a nap, maybe," Harry suggests, kissing Zain's head and petting his hair. It's nice. Zain wants him to go even less than usual. "We said we'd go for dinner and I don't want you falling asleep halfway through."

"Yea," Zain agrees.

"Mummy," Freddie interrupts. "Did you see the plough? Plough plough plough," he repeats, very much in love with the sound of the word. And of his own voice.

"I did, baby," Harry says, kissing Zain again. "I gotta go, love, I'll be back tonight."

"Have fun," Zain says, watching Freddie trot after Harry, still chatting on about the stars.

"He's gonna crash so hard," Louis yawns, going to refill his cup. "I'm gonna take him down to the water, distract him so you can pack."

"Generous," Zain says drily, starting to clear the breakfast table.

"Mummy said I should draw him a picture of the stars!" Freddie announces, rushing back in. "Can I use your colours, Zain? Please?"

"I don't have them here, monster," Zain says, ruffling his hair. "They're back in London. But you got plenty of crayons."

"But I wanna paint a paining for mummy!" Freddie pouts.

"You can make a sketch, hm? And we'll paint it when we're home."

"Like you do?" Freddie asks, scrunching his nose up and attaching himself to Zain's belt. "With your big paintings I can't touch?"

"Yep," Zain agrees, tickling his cheek.

"Cool," Freddie nods like he's passing judgement.

"When you're done we can go to the beach, huh, love?" Louis says, catching Freddie as he dashes past and kissing his head.

"Yes," Freddie nods enthusiastically. "I gotta do stuff now, daddy, lemme."

"Have fun," Louis calls after him, getting up to put his plate away. "I'll pack my stuff and get started on his while he's busy."

"I'll come down to the beach with you, I think," Zain says. "Gotta appreciate it while we're here."

"Yea," Louis yawns. "You know what's the weirdest thing I miss?"

"What?"

"Knowing if stuff is expensive or not at first glance. Euros confuse me," Louis says, pulling open random cupboards. "What are we gonna do with the food?"

"If it's good for a few weeks, leave it. Haz wants to come clack here and maybe Gemma and Perrie as well," Zain says. "I'm really looking forward to driving on the right sight of the road again."

"That, too," Louis nods. "I'm off to pack. Or possible have a nap. Will see. But I have the kid."

"Cheers," Zain says, following him. "Might do the same. Probably nap, though."

Louis waves at him, already lost in his phone.

Zain yawns, walking up the stairs and trying to convince himself that packing was the smarter option. He'd pack better after a nap, though.

Zain wakes up to the mattress moving. He blinks into the darkness until he can make out Harry silhouette moving as he undresses.

He reaches out to touch Harry's back.

"You're back late," he says, cleaning his throat against the hoarseness.

"Hey," Harry says softly. "Didn't mean to wake you."

"S fine," Zain says, turning his cheek into Harry's palm. "You had fun."

"Yea," Harry says, kissing Zain softly. "I saw you packed."

"Was bored," Zain shrugs, brushing his nose against Harry's. "Monster was busy."

"Did you remember my painting?" Harry asks, settling down next to Zain and wrapping himself around Zain like an octopus and kissing his chin.

"Course," Zain yawns. "Just gotta make another sweep for Freddie's toys. He'll probably unpack tomorrow morning."

"Probably," Harry says, kissing Zain softly. "Love you."

"Love you," Zain says, yawning again. "Tell me about your party?"

"Nothing much to tell," Harry says, stroking his fingers through Zain's hair.

"Perfect to fall asleep to, then," Zain mutters, kissing Harry's neck.

"Yea," Harry huffs, amused. "Go to sleep then."

"Am," Zain says, drifting off to Harry's voice.

"When are we there?" Freddie asks, again.

Louis takes a deep breath.

"Half an hour," Zain says, turning around. "See, that's where we have to go," he explains, again, pointing at the sat nav. "And we're getting closer."

"But I wanna be home now," Freddie complains, done with everything.

"Same," Louis grumbles next to Zain, signalling to change lanes.

Zain ignores him, reaching back to pat Freddie's knee and wishing he could be as obliviously asleep as Harry was.

"Wanna watch Paw Patrol?" he asks. It would at least buy them some time.

"Yes!" Freddie nods, still frowning unhappily.

"Headphones," Louis says as Zain roots around Harry's it's-not-a-handbag-Zain to find his phone. They were rather useful.

"Of course," Zain rolls his eyes, putting them on to check the volume before handing everything back to Freddie.

"There you go, monster," he says, watching Freddie settle with his eyes glued to the phone.

Harry was still snoring softly, not moving when Zain touches his knee.

"I hope we don't hit any traffic," Louis grumbles, glaring at the car in front of him. "I'm done with it."

"Half an hour," Zain says like he's talking to Freddie and earns himself a glare. "We can switch if you wanna."

"No," Louis shakes his head. "That's gonna drive me even more insane." He's quiet for a moment, tapping the steering wheel. "When are you gonna drive up to Bradford?"

"Friday," Zain says, trying to stretch without invading any of Louis' space. "We're coming back Monday, though. Harry's got a doctor's appointment on Tuesday. Why?"

"Just asking. Dunno if I should take him to football on Saturday, he hasn't been for ages."

Zain shrugs. "Should probably get him started again, though," he yawns. "Especially if he can't exhausting himself with swimming every day."

"Don't remind me," Louis says. "I see broken windows in our future."

Zain snorts. "Possibly."

"When are we there?" Freddie asks, even louder with his headphones on.

Louis groans while Zain puts on his most patient smile.

"Soon, monster," he says.

"Babe," Zain says, touching Harry's shoulder and shaking him gently. "Babes, we're here, wake up."

Harry grumbles slightly, turning towards Zain uselessly.

Zain cups his cheek, rubbing his stubble. "Babes, wake up. We're home."

"Home?" Harry slurs sleepily, finally opening his eyes. "Oh," he says, more alertly, rubbing his eyes. "Did I sleep the whole time?"

"Almost," Zain says, leaning down to kiss him quickly before leaving him to sort himself out and grabbing their bags from the boot.

"D'you have my bag?" Harry asks, stumbling slightly as he gets out of the car.

"It's all inside. This is the last tour, babes," Zain says, closing the boot and locking the car.

Harry blinks at him uselessly, not moving. "Go ahead," he grins, brushing his lips over Harry's cheek again. "You're so out of it, babes," he adds, amused.

"M not," Harry protests, stepping away from the car and letting Zain push the door closed.

"I haven't been here ages," Harry adds, walking up the steps towards the entrance.

"Yea, feels like," Zain agrees, kicking his shoes off and dropping the bags. They could sort them out later. "We ordered pizza, too lazy to cook, you ok with that?"

"Yea," Harry yawns, touching the walls like he was trying to greet the house.

"I think I'm gonna have a shower. Wake up." He turns to look at Zain, grinning suddenly. "Are you coming? Where's Louis and Freddie?"

"Backyard. Freddie's gotta run around a bit," Zain answers, taking Harry's hand.

"Shower then," Harry nods, pulling Zain along.

Freddie and Zain's voices are the first thing he becomes aware of, Zain's soft and quiet and Freddie trying his best but growing louder with every other word.

Harry smiles, stretching and reaching out blindly, curling his fingers into Zain's jogging bottoms. Zain runs his hand over Harry's head, combing his fingers through his hair. Harry sighs, happy and contented to be back home, blinking his eyes open.

Zain looks back at him, nose in Freddie's hair as Freddie chats along to Paw Patrol, snacking some sort of fruit.

It still makes Harry's stomach flutter, even more now that he hasn't been home in so long. Not with both of them and no deadline to leave them behind again.

"Morning," he says slowly, yawning.

"Morning," Zain grins back.

Freddie blinks at him, surprised, before continuing his chatter about whatever it was Paw Patrol was saving today.

"What time's it?" Harry asks when Freddie takes a breath, pushing another piece of fruit into his mouth while he stares at the screen, transfixed.

"Almost 9," Zain says. "We're gonna go to the park in a bit. Do you wanna come with?"

"Yea," Harry yawns. "Give me a moment."

"Hm," Zain makes, brushing his fingers through Harry's hair and looking back at the screen when Freddie's calls his attention.

Harry smiles and closes his eyes, content.

"You've been quiet today," Zain says, slipping into bed beside Harry and kissing his shoulder.

"Hm," Harry says, pressing his face into Zain's neck. "Missed being home," he says, stroking his hands over Zain's belly. "Didn't realise how much."

"Missed you being here," Zain answers, cupping Harry's cheek. "Sorry we have to leave again so soon."

"No," Harry says, shaking his head and leaning up to kiss Zain a few times. "We're visiting for Eid and then we're coming home, that's different."

"If it's too much—"

"No," Harry interrupts firmly. "I want to see your family and I want to spend Eid with you. But I missed just being with you and Freddie and. I don't know. Not constantly wanting to make the most of it because I'd be alone again soon."

"Babe," Zain says, soft.

Harry smiles, kissing the corner of his mouth. "It's not that dramatic. I had fun without you as well."

"Don't know how," Zain says, kissing Harry's jaw. "Without constant updates on Paw Patrol and what the dinosaurs are doing."

"Yes, that was difficult," Harry says with a smirk. "No Legos to step into."

"Hm," Zain agrees, yawning into Harry's cheek.

Harry snorts, pulling Zain's hand to his belly. "Sleep, sleepyhead. You can go back to not getting up again now."

"That's nice," Zain agrees sleepily. "Do you wanna drive tomorrow as well?"

"Sure," Harry says, running his hand through Zain's hair. "You looking forward to seeing your family?"

"Sure," Zain says. "Haven't seen them in ages. Mum will cry when she sees you."

"Yea," Harry says with a snort. "I've really let myself go."

"Hm," Zain agrees, patting Harry's belly. "M gonna sleep."

"You do that," Harry agrees. "I just gotta pee again."

"Always peeing," Zain yawns, not moving when Harry slips out from beneath him. "You're leaky, babe."

"I don't think you've seen half of it," Harry says, watching Zain blinks slowly. He leans down to kiss him before pulling himself away. "Love you."

"More," Zain slurs, patting the mattress next to him in affection.

Harry snorts and kisses his hair again.

Freddie loves waking up. It's great because it means he can have a full day of playing but also because mummy and Zain are still in bed and he can cuddle a bit.

He's super good at using the toilet on his own and he always washes his hands with the funny soap mummy got him special. Sometimes he's got to play first but it's a bit cold today and Zain's bed is always warm and nice, and more so when mummy was in it as well.

Zain and mummy are always always cuddling when Freddie comes to wake them up but that's ok because he can fit himself between. Mummy always wakes up and kisses him and Zain never does, he just hugs Freddie close so they could have wake up cuddles like they have done forever.

It was nice too, because mummy worked a lot a lot but in the morning he always talked to Freddie about everything and Freddie could tell the baby all the important things. It was still growing loads and loads but there was super much to tell it, all the things it needed to know before it was born.

"Hi, baby," mummy says, kissing his cheek. "Sleep well?"

"Yea," Freddie nods, fidgeting when mummy tries to comb his hair.

Freddie loves his mummy. He hasn't had him as long as other kids have had their mummy, not like Hassan who's always had his, but that doesn't matter. His mummy was the best even when he was trying to make Freddie's hair neat, which was stupid.

"I dreamt I had a baby!" Freddie remembers suddenly, turning around to look at Mummy and patting his belly. "But it was not as slow are yours," he adds because mummy's baby didn't grow at all. "And it could fly."

"Exciting," Mummy says with a smile. Mummy was always smiling at Freddie, it was nice. He also always smiles at Zain and kisses Zain, it was a bother because it took time away from playing.

"Yea," Freddie agrees, poking at Zain's nose. Zain wrinkles his nose but doesn't wake up. He wakes up much easier when mummy isn't there, it was like mummy made him sleepy.

"I'm gonna go to the park later, Zain said," Freddie informs mummy. "And Hassan's gonna show me his new car, he said."

"What's his new car?"

"A Lambo," Freddie says. "It has a longer name but we can't remember. It's green, that's good."

"Green is a good colour, hm?" Mummy says.

"I just said, mummy," Freddie reminds him, scooting down to tell the baby about his dream until Zain wakes up and he can have morning cuddles.

"Mummy!" Freddie calls, waving so mummy will see him. Mummy's not paying attention, though, talking to strangers.

"Monster," Zain says, taking Freddie's hand and keeping him from running to mummy, which was stupid. "He'll be here any second, patience."

"I am patient," Freddie says, hanging himself off Zain's hands.

It wasn't as good as swings but almost and the swings were far away because Zain and mummy needed to go visit dada and dadi for Eid. Freddie doesn't know why he's not going as well because he loves all the food but Zain had said he would bring home a lot a lot and Freddie could have all the sweets dadi always made for him and he could spend all of tomorrow only with daddy which was good also because daddy was also working a lot a lot, even more than mummy.

"Okay," Mummy says, sounding weird and walking away without waiting for Freddie or Zain. Freddie looks at Zain but Zain just tweaks his nose, grinning, so Freddie guesses mummy just has to pee again.

Mummy has to pee lots now. It's the baby's fault though mummy and Zain don't like it when Freddie says that even though it's true. The baby makes mummy pee all the time and also hungry and then not and then he wants to cuddle Freddie and then he wants to nap. It was all a bit much, Freddie cannot wait for the baby to finally stop being inside mummy's belly so mummy would be back to normal and Freddie could play with it.

"Mummy!" Freddie remembers, rushing up to him and taking his hand. "Mummy, when we go back to the beach I want to wear my new hat! It's so cool, did you see it?"

"Hm?" Mummy makes, looking down at Freddie like he does after a nap, like he is surprised.

Freddie rolls his eyes and pulls on his hand. "My new hat, mummy," he says. "It's got paw patrol on it! It's so so cool!"

"Is it?" Mummy says.

"Yeeeees," Freddie says. "I just said!"

"Right," Mummy nods. "Sounds super cool. You excited to spend a few days with your dad?"

Freddie nods. "Daddy said we're gonna play football and have pizza, oh and he said we are going to the cinema and watch a real film there! With popcorn! That's so cool, don't you think?"

"Yea," Mummy agrees, smiling down at Freddie. "Wanna have the key?"

"Yes!" Freddie nods as hard as he can. They're almost at home, he hasn't realised, but he loves having the keys, they make fun noises and also he is almost grown up and he can unlock the door all by himself and that is so cool.

"There you go," Mummy says and Freddie takes the keys and runs ahead. He's a super fast runner so it's quick and he's so good at opening the door, it's super easy.

"Daddy, I'm home!" he yells once he's inside and he even remembers to put the key in the bowl by the door and he takes his shoes off all by himself.

"Hey, love," Daddy says, coming out of the living room just as Freddie has put the shoes away as neatly as Zain always said to. "Had a good time?"

"Yea!" Freddie yells and throws himself at Daddy. Daddy laughs and swings him around, making everything spin. Freddie giggles and hugs Daddy tightly, tracing the tattoo on Daddy's arm.

Daddy kisses his head like they all do and then starts chatting to Zain and mummy when they're back.

"We're leaving, baby," Mummy says and Freddie gapes up at him, surprised. They haven't said they would leave right away.

"Now?" he asks, looking at Zain.

He doesn't like when they go. He likes it best when Zain and Daddy and Mummy all were there and he could hug them whenever he wanted.

"Now, monster," Zain says, cupping Freddie's face and kissing his nose. "But I'll bring you back all your dadi's sweets, hm?"

"And I can have them all?" Freddie makes sure. It was an okay trade. He loves sweets.

"All of them," Zain says, smiling at him.

"Okay," Freddie nods and lets Zain hug him.

Mummy is a bit leaky when he kisses Freddie goodbye but that was the baby's fault.

"Bye, baby," mummy says.

"Bye, mummy," Freddie says and is glad Daddy is hugging him tightly.

"Wanna have pizza tonight, monster?" Daddy asks when they wave them goodbye. "And we'll eat it on the couch, hm?"

"Yes!" Freddie nods, giggling in delight. They never eat not at the table, Zain didn't like it because dinner was for talking about your day not for watching telly. But daddy was a little rebel like Freddie and they always had the best fun because of it. "Can we watch Cars?"

"Sure, monster," Daddy grins, stealing Freddie's nose.

Freddie knows it's not really stolen but he still makes Daddy give it back before they are back inside. A nose is important.

Harry blinks his eyes open slowly when Zain opens the door, brightening slightly when he sees Zain like he always does.

"Hey," Zain says, sitting down on the bed and stroking the hair off Harry's clammy forehead. "Feeling better?"

"Dunno," Harry says, looking miserable and still pasty white. "Is your mum very cross?" he asks, reaching for Zain's hand.

"Of course not," Zain says soothingly, leaning down to kiss Harry's cheek. "Why would you even think that?" He rubs his thumb over Harry's cheek, wishing he could make him less miserable somehow.

"Dunno," Harry says pitifully. "It's so dumb, I was fine for a whole week, why do I have to throw up again today of all days? Your family is gonna think I'm one of those arseholes who like won't say they don't wanna go visit family but make up something so they get out of it anyways."

"No one is thinking that," Zain says, rubbing his thumb over Harry's cheek. "I don't even know where you get these ideas, babes," he adds, poking his cheek.

"Dunno," Harry groans, hiding his face in the pillow. "I'm always throwing up. This is so annoying."

"Hm," Zain agrees vaguely, because any moment now Harry will start grinning about having a baby again. He rubs a soothing hand over Harry's back. "Mum is wondering if you want some tea or maybe something sweet? She says that's always helped her when she was nauseous."

"What kind of sweet?" Harry asks, immediately, a good sign, frowning like Zain had asked him the question of the universe.

"There is plenty, you can choose," Zain says, amused and so very fond of him. He leans down to kiss his nose, just because he can.

"What's it called what I had yesterday?" Harry asks, blinking up at Zain and touching Zain's cheek.

"You had everything yesterday," Zain grins, teasing gently. Yesterday, when they had arrived, Harry had been happy and chatty and energetic and ravenous. Mum had been delighted.

Harry rolls his eyes. "Sevia, yea?" he says, pulling on Zain's sweater. "Be nice to me, your child is torturing me." He grins, bright and happy, and pushes himself up slightly only to pale again, grabbing at Zain.

"Seems like it," Zain says, kissing Harry's cheek. He would be more worried if mum were more worried than sympathetic. And even Harry did not seem particularly upset, just annoyed. "Ginger tea as well?" he asks, brushing the hair off Harry's forehead.

"Yea," Harry nods, pressing his nose into Zain's neck. "With honey. I think your mum was right, I want sweet."

"You're sweet," Zain says a bit senselessly, kissing Harry again.

Harry rolls his eyes at him, grinning back weakly. "I'll should try and come downstairs," he says.

"I don't think so," Zain asks sceptically, eyeing him. "Sitting up was bad enough. Also my cousins turned up and they have bathed in aftershave, you won't be able to stand it."

Harry pulls a grimace. "Okay," he says hesitantly. "Maybe not. But your mum is gonna think I'm a drama queen."

Zain shrugs and bites back the urge to say: "you are". He wasn't right now. Or not about the thing he was worried about.

"Mum's been pregnant four times, I don't think she's gonna accuse you of that," he says instead, poking Harry's cheek, and gets up. "I'll get you your sweets."

"I'm missing everything," Harry whines when Zain opens the door again, music and chatter spilling inside. He sighs.

"Maybe you'll feel better after eating," Zain says, shooting him a last reassuring smile, and doesn't fully close the door behind him.

Mum smiles at him when he comes back into the kitchen. "How is he?"

"Same, I'd say," Zain shrugs. "He wants sweet things, though, good suggestion."

"Hm," Mum says. "Dunno why but it always helped with Safaa," she says, putting on the kettle. "I hope he's not too sad he's stuck upstairs."

"He's more worried you'll think he's a drama queen," Zain shrugs, cutting up ginger quickly.

"We all saw him turn pasty white just before he ran off," Mum says, shaking her head. "Really glad I've reached grandma stage now and I don't have to deal with that anymore." She winks at him, mischievous and high on having all her family around her.

Zain rolls his eyes at her and adds two spoonful of honey to the tea, pressing his shoulder to hears.

"I'll stay upstairs a bit," he says, adding some proper tea and a snack for himself to the tray.

"Of course, sunshine," she says as the kettle turns off. "Come down when he feels better. You know everyone will be around for hours, still."

"Yea," Zain nods, hugging her for a moment. "Love you."

"It's all good, love," she says, like she can read his mind. "Now go upstairs and keep Harry company."

"Yea," Zain says and goes.

"Why is Gemma telling me to tell you to agree with her?" Harry asks, scrolling through his phone with one hand, the other not having moved from Zain's thigh ever since they set off.

"Because she thinks she is my PR manager," Zain answers, changing radio channels when they started chatting nonsense on the station.

"What is she trying to get you to do?" Harry yawns, dropping his phone into his bag and turning his head towards Zain.

"She says I should promote the opening with a more personal touch than just reposing the gallery's posts," Zain shrugs, irrationally annoyed at the whole topic.

"Hm," Harry makes.

"That means you agree with her," Zain says, throwing a quick glance at him. "I don't have that many followers, babe, I just don't see the point.

"You have plenty," Harry says, brushing his fingers over Zain's cheek. "And instagram is all about the personal touch. But if you don't want to, tell Gemma to piss off."

"I mean," Zain shrugs, awkward. "It feels desperate somehow so I don't really feel comfortable but I do want the show to be at least somewhat successful and Gemma — and you, I guess — know how to do that kinda shit. Dunno."

"I'm sure you'll figure it out," Harry says neutrally, making Zain rolls his eyes.

"Stop being diplomatic," he says, squeezing Harry's hand.

Harry shrugs. "Self promotion is self promotion," he says. "Nothing inherently bad about it. Call Gemma to brainstorm and I'm sure you'll figure out a way. Maybe post that picture Freddie ruined as cute behind the scene and by the way. A picture which was promised to me but which you still haven't given me," he adds, kissing Zain's cheek.

"It's upstairs in the office," Zain shrugs, amused to feel Harry huff. "Not sure where you wanna put it, though."

"I'll figure something out," he's quiet for a moment, his cheek on Zain's shoulder, fiddling with the random assortment of gum, tissues, charger cables and stray toys in the middle console.

"I like spending time with just you," he says wistfully.

"We haven't in a while, huh," Zain agrees, catching Harry's hand for a moment. "We'll have time after the opening and when you stop filming, I'm sure Louis can be convinced to take the monster for a while when everything has settled down."

"Yea," Harry sitting up with a groan. "Stupid back," he complains. "Wanna stop for a bit? I need to stretch properly."

"Can do," Zain says, listening to Harry hum and grunt until they can turn off to a rest area.

Harry is out of the car quickly enough that Zain eyes him. "You're not nauseous, are you?"

"Hm?" Harry makes, looking up at Zain from where he has bent over, letting his arms hang low. "Oh no, just couldn't sit down anymore."

"Okay," Zain says, running a hand under Harry's sweater and stroking his back. He wraps his arms around Harry's waist, laying his cheek against his shoulder when Harry straightens and stretches his arms above his head.

"You tired, love?" Harry asks, grunting slightly as he stretches himself tall, his back popping slightly.

"Yea," Zain admits, yawning, exhaustion weighing him down. It's not sudden but the realisation hits him, the weeks of travelling to France and back while preparing the exhibition and also worrying about Harry and simply missing him — or Freddie or both — settling into his bones like lead.

"Yea," he repeats again. He should feel more relaxed after just having been to the beach in France, things he's never even considered a year ago, but instead he can only think about taking Harry and hiding away somewhere with nothing to think about.

"Do you want me to drive?" Harry asks, turning around and wrapping his arms around Zain.

Zain presses his nose to Harry's neck and shakes his head. "Nah, babe," he says. The only thing making it worse would be sitting next to Harry and worrying he was having to drive with everything going on. For all that Zain was exhausted, Harry would have to be even worse.

"Wanna cuddle a bit or keep driving?" Harry asks, sounding amused when Zain doesn't make a move to let go.

"Both," Zain says into Harry's skin, petulant with exhaustion. "Imma grab a coffee, actually. You want anything?"

"If they have tea," Harry yawns against Zain's cheek. "But only peppermint or camomile. Should have brought more snacks from your mum's."

"We have tons of snacks," Zain shrugs, cupping Harry's face for a moment to kiss him. "But I need caffein."

Harry kisses him again, quick, before going back to his gymnastics. "I'm gonna wait here."

"Course, babes," Zain says, grabbing his wallet from Harry's not-a-purse and making his way towards the cold light of the petrol station.

He asks for a coffee and peppermint tea, watching Harry's shape do his gymnastics by their car. It had been nice, seeing his family. It would be nice, seeing Freddie again, and they had the ultrasound tomorrow, but he wishes he could just keep driving, like in one of those American novels, and just spend time with Harry for a while.

"Cheers," he says, taking the hot cups and leaving the petrol station behind. Perhaps it was that eery out of time feeling inherent to these roadside shops that made him maudlin.

"I think I'm gonna grab something sweet from the boot," Harry says once Zain is close enough. "Do you want anything?"

"Sure, maybe some cake," Zain says, the coffee bitter and slightly burnt. Sweet cake would mask the taste somewhat.

"We can call Gemma while we drive," Harry adds, opening boxes to pick which exact left over food to take to the front. Zain sips his coffee and watches him. "You are bored driving and you're bored with PR, combine it and get it out of the way."

"Very efficient," Zain nods, handing Harry his tea and making his way around the car.

Harry shrugs, settling in and taking a sip of his tea. "Peppermint," he hums like Zain hadn't ordered it. "Gemma just texted like she does when she's bored, you know, so she'll have time," he says, taking Zain's coffee from him while Zain accelerates to rejoin the traffic.

"You just don't wanna text, huh," Zain grins, taking his coffee back once they're in the flow. "But go ahead."

"You know me too well," Harry smiles, happy, leaning across to kiss Zain's cheek before hooking his phone to the car console.

Malik khandaan & Harry

doniya
New group use it pls
@Harry  Zain is too lazy to read group chats so you get added to a new one, yay you

☀️زين
he doesn't like them either

doniya
We'll one of you has to, so this doubles the chances
All the details about the scan pls

waliyah
So? What did the doctor say?

Harry (Zain's)
Everything is fine!
Said I should come by once I'm back in England because usually they do anomaly scan a bit later but nothing to worry about etc
feet <3

mum
😍😍😍
🥺🥺🥺
🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
❤️❤️❤️💖💖💖💖

doniya
🥺🥺💖

waliyah
😭😭🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

safaa
🥺😭😍

baba
❤️

☀️زين
dm me for alien 3d pics
been forbidden
but so funny

Doniya
Looool
Yasmin showed me hers the other day
So weird!!

☀️زين
!!

mum
Zain, really

☀️زين
mum honestly if they had that back when we were like..
not born yet you'd have been the same
s weird

Harry (Zain's)
Honestly, can't even argue
So weird

☀️زين
see?

mum
Incorrigible

☀️زين
😘

"Hi, baby, hi," Harry says, sweaty and still slightly out of breath from his run, kissing Freddie's hair.

"Hi," Freddie says, grabbing another piece of fruit and leaning back slightly to give Harry more room for attack.

"Good run?" Zain asks, patting Harry's arse and handing him a glass of water.

"Yep," Harry nods, wiping the hair off his forehead. "Though I do miss the sea, it's nice, isn't it, monster?"

"S cool," Freddie agrees, grabbing another fruit.

Zain tilts his head back to accept Harry's kiss.

"I'm gonna grab a shower," Harry says, taking an apricot and dropping the pit on Zain's plate.

"Kay," Zain agrees, kissing Harry's belly.

"Zain, I want one of those," Freddie says, handing Zain an apricot. Over his dislike then, Zain thinks with a grin, grabbing it and removing the pit before handing it back to Freddie.

"Yum!" Freddie makes, taking a bite.

"Want more?" Zain asks, amused.

"Yes. Please!" Freddie nods eagerly, grabbing for the fruit as soon as Zain has removed the pits, snacking them happily now that Mummy had eaten them.

"Zain Javadd Malik!" Harry calls down the stairs.

"Uhuh," Freddie says around a mouthful of apricots. "Mummy's mad."

Zain snorts in agreement, kissing Freddie's head. "I'll see what he wants. Wash your hands before you go play, you're all sticky."

Freddie shrugs, grabbing another piece of fruit and watching Zain solemnly. Zain ruffles his hair again, tapping his nose on the way out.

"Babe?" Zain asks carefully once he makes it upstairs. He can't quite remember what he's done to make Harry call for him. He's not sure Harry's ever used his full name.

"You-" Harry says, flushed in agitation. He's grinning and frowning at the same time, the mix absurd.

"What?" Zain asks, confused.

Harry rises his fist, shaking it at Zain and Zain's stomach drops when he catches sight of the small box in Harry's hand.

"Er," he says, scratching his beard. "You weren't supposed to find that." This is not how he's planned this.

"You hid it in the bedside table!" Harry says, sounding slightly hysterical. "The bedside table! You hid an engagement ring in the bedside table of the bed we both sleep in, right with the lube we use almost daily!"

"Well," Zain says, shrugging. "You haven't been home in a while? And I hid it behind the condoms? You never go for the condoms." It had seemed like a brilliant idea at the time. "Sorry?" he adds, wrapping his arms around Harry's waist to pull him close. He kisses his cheek, enjoying the way Harry melts against him, his arms going around Zain's neck, the hard swell of his belly pressing against Zain's.

"Want to pretend this never happened?" Zain asks quietly, pressing his nose into Harry's hair. He smells like Freddie's shampoo, almost nauseatingly like fake fruit. Zain's not sure how he can stand it when the smell of yoghurt had made him throw up three days ago.

"No," Harry says equally quietly, pressing their cheeks together. "I think I want you to finish this."

"Babe," Zain says, a bit overwhelmed with the reality of it. "How even?"

"Dunno," Harry laughs lightly, giddy. "You must have had some idea when you hid that behind the condoms!"

"I think I'm gonna have to go with: it's just your birthday present," Zain says, kissing Harry's cheek. "You're never gonna let go of that otherwise. It was genius on my part really."

"My birthday isn't for months," Harry says, rolling his eyes at Zain.

"I'm really not prepared, babe," Zain says, cupping Harry's cheeks and kissing him quickly. "I just saw the ring when I was downtown at the gallery and I don't know, I thought you would like it and then I just got it because like, we're having a baby and you go running around calling yourself Malik already and also I kinda want us to have the same name, which I know is old fashioned, I have been told, and I didn't know when I'd ask you but I know I would." He shrugs. "If you didn't beat me to it."

"So ask me," Harry grins, brushing his nose against Zain's. "Because apparently I am also old fashioned and want to be asked."

Zain rolls his eyes and then tries to undo it because he probably shouldn't roll his eyes right now.

Harry snorts, nostrils flaring as he tries to suppress a grin.

Zain kisses the side of his nose, he loves that expression on Harry's face. "Harry Edward Styles," he says grandly, to lend the whole ridiculous thing some gravitas, pressing his thumbs into the dimples on Harry's cheeks. "Will you marry me?"

"Yes," Harry says, kissing Zain quickly. It's very anticlimactic but then. Zain doesn't know why he should have expected anything else, he had known Harry wouldn't say no. Not really.

"Cool," Zain nods, making Harry snort.

"Ring," he prompts, kissing Zain again.

"Right," Zain says, wondering if he should feel anything except fond exasperation and that he loved Harry like he always did.

He opens the ring box with a little flourish, like Harry hadn't seen it before, and Harry puts it on without ceremony, thrusting it at Zain's face.

"Looks nice, babe," Zain says a bit dumbly, the sight of the ring he had bought for Harry on Harry's finger hitting him suddenly.

"It does, babe," Harry echoes him, kissing him properly, wet and eager and happy, holding Zain's face between his hands and pressing close.

"Okay, I gotta shower," Harry says when they part, Zain still slightly dumb and wondering how long Freddie would be fine by himself and if he could just topple Harry into their bed.

"Why were you in that drawer anyways?" Zain remembers, following Harry into the bathroom.

"Charger," Harry shrugs, pulling off his tshirt. "Dunno where I left mine."

"Your purse, probably," Zain says, rubbing his hand over Harry's belly. "Freddie likes apricots now."

"It's not in my bag," Harry says, shrugging. "Freddie likes everything. Did you read Gemma's text? You wanna?"

"I guess," Zain says, "Could be cool and it would get us out of the house."

"It would get your mind off Saturday," Harry says, turning the shower on. "And location scouting is fun, you get to be crazy with ideas."

"You don't need more reasons to be crazy with ideas, babes," Zain snorts. Then, abruptly, he remembers. "Babe, we're getting married."

"I know," Harry grins back at him, wiggling his fingers in Zain's direction. "We're not telling Gemma first, though."

"Nah," Zain agrees, watching Harry wash his hair.

"Don't freak out, Zain," Harry says, like he can sense the cloud of overwhelm take over Zain's brain. "We'll do one after the other. Your exhibition first, then we can figure out the rest, yea?"

"Yea," Zain agrees, pushing himself away from the sinks. "Gonna go back downstairs where I can hear what the monster destroys. Love you," he mimes a kiss through the glass.

"Muah," Harry makes, kissing the glass.

Zain flicks the glass, fond, and leaves him.

stylish_gem

Interrupting very secret business by making this one model #urwelcome @kilamniaz
liked by harrystyles and thousand others

stylish_gem: *psst* he's got an art show opening Saturday at @thesohogallery @zainmalikart
liked by harrystyles and others
kilamniaz: @stylish_gem thanks i guess?
liked by harrystyles and others
thesohogallery: @stylish_gem @zainmalikart Very excited for everyone to see our latest exhibition!
liked by harrystyles and others

perriee: "making him model" you took pictures while he was being lazy and unhelpful
kilamniaz: @perriee i was incredibly helpful i resent that
perriee: @kilamniaz you haven't even tied your shoe
kilamniaz: @perriee i am fashion 💅🏽

the wife 💛
10:21
Why didn't you wake me?

my love
10:32
u were exhausted babe
u need the sleep

the wife 💛
10:33
But I miss you

my love
10:33
babe i'll be home in a bit
we'll see each other plenty yea? no leaving

the wife 💛
10:34
I know
Still

my love
10:34
i know me too babes
love u

the wife 💛
10:35
Love you too 😘😘

13:45
When are you home again?

my love
14:23
like 4-ish?

the wife 💛
14:43
Can you make your curry tonight? I want it.

14:55
Also can you make it with chicken?

15:02
Also can you buy the chicken?
And bread?

15:07
And I want those chocolates with almonds and sea salt, you know the ones!

my love
15:38
ok
leaving now will stop by tescos
anything else?

the wife 💛
15:43
Apricots, strawberries and mangoes, Freddie and I have been snacking...

my love
15:44
alright my loves
will be home soon
soon

the wife 💛
15:46
Soon xxxxxxx
Love you

"Zain," Harry says for the third time, nudging Zain's leg with his knee.

"Huh?" Zain makes, eyes focussing on Harry with a slight frown.

"Love, you've been absent all morning," Harry says gently, squeezing Zain's thigh. "You okay?"

"Yea," Zain says quickly, leaning forward to press a kiss to Harry's lips, lingering for a moment.

"Okay," Harry says, pressing his nose to Zain's cheek. He likes that he can do that now, when Zain isn't happy. He has missed touching him. "Is it because of tomorrow?"

"Just a bit nervous," Zain says, smiling quickly. "That's normal, I guess."

"Yea," Harry agrees, frowning at him. "But you seem really distracted."

"Is a big deal," Zain shrugs, getting up to put the kettle on. "I'm fine, babes, it's just — gonna be worse than the soft opening, isn't it? And not just self congratulatory assholes, people with proper opinions yea? It's just gonna be a lot and you know I don't handle that well."

Harry nods, swallowing. "Maybe I shouldn't come," he says quietly, fidgeting with his engagement ring (his engagement ring, he still cannot believe it, he's going to marry Zain and Zain was going to be his husband!).

"What?" Zain asks, sharp the way he gets when he is startled. "You're coming, babe, please!"

"Of course," Harry rushes to say, getting up to cup Zain's face, brushing his thumb over his stubble. "I'll be there if you want. I want to be there so much, it's your day!" he assured him quickly. There is nothing he wants more than to see everyone be blown away by Zain, to share that evening with him.

"I just meant," he says slowly. "You don't like crowds, I'm just don't want someone to recognise me and —"

"Babe," Zain says softly. "I just want you there, alright?"

"Okay," Harry nods, leaning his head on Zain's shoulder. "Of course. I can't wait how everything looks."

"Hm," Zain says, easily. "Got a surprise for you as well," he says, voice light and mischievous.

"What?" Harry asks, leaning back to look at him properly.

Zain's grinning, all wide and crinkly-nosed, happy and a lot like Freddie. "Wouldn't be a surprise then, would it?" He presses his lips against Harry's still smiling, barley a kiss. "Don't think I don't know about the surprise party you planned, though," he says against Harry's lips.

"Who told you!" Harry says, stomach squirming happily with Zain's joy. "Was it Gemma?" he narrows his eyes.

"Nah," Zain grins, cupping Harry's chin and kissing him again. "No one told me, babe, but there is a suspicious lack of anything properly private downstairs all of a sudden."

"It's not really a party," Harry says, hating how much he loves that Zain just knows all his secrets from dumb little details. "It's just our families and Perry," he says, because he doesn't want Zain to worry about another social engagement. "Everyone will want to talk to you about it and you won't have time at the event, so I thought it would be nice to just be together afterwards."

"Sounds great, baby," Zain says, sounding genuine. "And everyone will want to touch your belly as well, huh?"

"Maybe," Harry says, playing with Zain's fingers. "Maybe we can also tell them about —" he adds, shaking his finger in Zain's face, "if there is a good moment."

"Yea," Zain grins, kissing Harry's cheek. "Won't get them all in one room for a while otherwise."

"Exactly," Harry says. "But only if you are alright with that. It's your day after all."

"Yea, and I'll get to tell everyone you've agreed to marry me which is actually a lot better than showing a bunch of strangers what I paint." Zain kisses Harry softly, chaste and sweet. Harry's stomach flutters again, ridiculously in love as he is.

"Don't like how you phrased that second half of your sentence," he says quietly, hating how self-deprecating Zain could be about his art. "But I'll take the first half."

"Love you," Zain grins, brushing his nose against Harry's.

"Zain!" Freddie yells from somewhere, interrupting a surprising long time alone. "Zain, can I go play football!"

"You gonna come to the park with us?" Zain asks, pulling away from Harry and catching Freddie when he rushes into him. "Monster, slow down, Football isn't going anywhere."

"We're going?" Freddie beams, bouncing.

"Yea," Harry nods at Zain, gesturing to his lack of trousers. "I'll just get dressed."

Zain nods before focussing his attention in Freddie. It makes Harry's heart clench as always, his stomach flutter. He wants this forever. He's going to have this forever.

He grins and rushes up the stairs, ready to watch Freddie run around like a madman for a while, ready to hold Zain's hand and watch him.

Zain feels like he's high, maybe, strangely removed from everything, some things much louder than they need be. Like he's looking at everything through a fishbowl, barely keeping from spinning and stumbling uselessly.

There are people wanting to talk to him about his paintings like they meant something, wanting to shake his hand and pat his shoulder. There are  people asking him what inspired the red series, what significance he gives to colour over composition, if he thinks he is paying enough of an homage to Kandinsky like fucking Kandinsky should even be named in the same paragraph as his art.

He catches glimpses of his mum in her best dress, of baba in his shalwar kameez like he's going to a wedding, Gemma and Perrie and Anne's bright red lipstick matching and chic.

He only sees Harry once, briefly, staring at him from across the room, stunned stupid, and it makes him happier than the man Priya brings for him to talk to, someone important that pulls his attention away.

It feels like a walking dream, it feels surreal and he's not sure he will remember anything in the morning.

The house is brightly lit when he stumbles up the stairs, fighting the exhaustion pushing down on him. He's dozed off twice in the taxi and had almost forgotten their passcode but the sounds of his family are drifting outside and suddenly he wants to be there with them, share the experience with people who knew him and didn't ask for his opinion on wet-on-wet like it fucking matters.

"Oh my god, Zain," Safaa screeches as he walks in, high on exhaustion. "It was so cool! The first thing you see was that painting you did when I was staying with you and now it's in a museum, oh my god."

"Hi, babe," Zain says, amused, catching her and kissing her hair while she squirms in excitement. If nothing else, it was worth it for this.

"It was pretty cool," Louis says, leaning against the wall with a beer in his hand. "I've seen you paint half that stuff and now it looks proper like, fancy. Like art."

"Thanks," Zain says drily, rolling his eyes. "When did you even see it?"

"Wow," Louis says, clutching his chest in pretend hurt. "You didn't even notice me?" He shrugs. "Gemma and Pez and Anne took Freddie first so I could take a look and they could arrive fashionably late. We did a whole hand off in the parking lot. Freddie was very cross he wasn't allowed inside."

"I'll take him some time," Zain shrugs, hanging his coat. "Why are you two lurking in the hallway, anyways?"

"I was just getting a beer and SafSaf wanted a snack. Catered food does not agree with her, apparently," Louis grins.

Safaa huffs. "I just wanted some chocolate," she shrugs. "Everyone is really drunk, Zain," she adds, looking at him long-sufferingly.

"They're all very excited and slightly tipsy," Louis corrects.

"Harry won't be drunk, Saf, just stick to him," Zain says.

Safaa frowns at the wall like she's trying to look through it for a moment.

"Harry went to lie down," Louis says, shrugging easily.

"I'll go check on him," Zain says, stomach tight with worry. "Want to get changed anyways."

"We'll hold off your adoring fans," Louis nods, tugging on Safaa's braid. "Come on, SafSaf, let's go."

"Don't tell me what to do," Safaa says mulishly. Louis grins at Zain over her head, winking.

Zain stops by at Freddie's room, years of it making it impossible to walk past without checking on him. He's sprawled across his whole bed, as usual, breathing evenly. Zain presses a kiss to his forehead, brushing his hair back before closing the door behind him.

Harry is laying on their bed, sprawled in a similar manner, already changed out of the clothes he wore to the opening.

"You okay, babe?" Zain asks quietly.

"Zain," Harry says and jumps him.

Zain can't even blink properly before Harry has wrapped himself around him, stumbling slightly with his hands under Harry's thighs and Harry's tongue in his mouth. He kisses Harry back and dumps him on the bed before he drops him, letting himself be pulled along when Harry doesn't let go.

"Babe," he says, trying to catch up as Harry pulls at his suit, almost frantically, shoving at Zain's trousers and his own jogging bottoms, wrapping his legs around Zain and grabbing his cock.

"Come on come on," he whines when Zain tries to slow him down, kissing his cheek.

"Babe, lube," Zain tries to reason, his head empty except for Harry's skin, Harry's touch, Harry's smell.

"What do you think I was doing waiting here for you, fuck," Harry curses and pulls on Zain's hip. "Come on, inside me."

"Fuck, babe," Zain curses as he slides in just like that, like nothing.

Harry moans and rocks up and Zain thrusts forward and again, fitting his mouth to the skin of Harry's neck as Harry moans with every thrust, nails digging into Zain's shoulders, thighs pressing tightly around him and holding him close. It's endless and embarrassingly fast, Harry gasping beneath him and Zain helpless not to follow, panting into Harry's neck.

"Oops," Harry says, loose limbed and panting, legs still wrapped around Zain.

"Oops?" Zain echoes breathlessly, sucking at the mark he has left on Harry's neck, wanting it to stay. He's not sure how that just happened but he has no complaints.

"Didn't mean to," Harry says equally breathlessly, arching up when Zain rubs his palm over his chest. "Everyone'll want to see you."

"Mhm," Zain agrees, nosing at Harry's skin

"Just," Harry huffs, exasperated as he runs his hands through Zain's hair, wincing slightly when Zain pulls out. "How is anyone supposed to not jump you when you paint a fucking serious of fucking pictures for me. What the hell, Zain! When did you even do that?"

"You were gone a lot," Zain shrugs, leaning up on his elbows to look at Harry. "You like them?" he asks, brushing his thumb over the corner of Harry's mouth.

"Like them," Harry rolls his eyes, giddy. "I love them."

"Good," Zain murmurs, leaning down to kiss him softly. "I told Priya not to let them be sold. Unless-"

"No fucking way," Harry says firmly. "They're mine."

"You're swearing a lot, my love," Zain says, amused.

"You bring it out of me," Harry answers, still grinning. "I can't believe you painted six paintings for me and hung them as the centre piece of your exhibit."

"Hm," Zain says, nosing at Harry's neck. "Who even says they're for you?" he teases.

"If you have another man in your life you paint golden pictures for and name them he I am going to commit murder," Harry says, a bit too serious.

"I love you," Zain says, kissing him.

"I know," Harry says, smug and happy. "I have an exhibit to prove it."

Zain rolls his eyes, kissing him. "You're getting a big head, love."

"You like it," Harry says, almost giddy. "Go shower, everyone is still waiting for you."

"I could have already talked to everyone," Zain says, but gets up, stretching slightly.

"You forget you texted me when you left," Harry yawns, stretching as well. "They wouldn't have let you go that quickly."

"You staying up here?" Zain asks as he tries to salvage the suit by hanging it up.

"Nah," Harry says, sitting up and scratching his belly. "I would have come down I just hoped you'd come upstairs to get changed first. I wanted a moment alone."

"A moment, huh," Zain smirks, leaning down to kiss him.

"That was the original plan, yes," Harry shrugs, grinning unrepentant. "Shower, come on. We'll get enough shit, might as well be properly clean."

"Thanks for watching Freddie so Louis could be there," Zain says when Anne lets him breathe again.

"Of course," Anne says, squeezing his face between his hands and blinking with tears in her eyes. She was as bad as his own mum. "He's your best friend, he is very proud of you. And so am I."

"Thanks," he says, trying to fight the blush. He's heard the sentiment from almost everyone here tonight but it still felt weird. "Did you like it?"

"Oh baby," she says, sounding like she is talking to Harry. "I loved it. I will make every single one of my friends go and brag about you endlessly, I hope you realise."

She smiles at him again, gentle. "Go on, Harry is vibrating out of his skin without you."

Zain turns and sees Harry give him wide, poignant eyes from across the room.

He rolls his eyes and kisses Anne's cheek in goodbye, crossing the room to join Harry and dodging a very tipsy Gemma on the way.

"Now or never," Harry says, catching Zain's hand. "Gemma is way too drunk already and Safaa is about to fall asleep."

"Go ahead," Zain says kissing the side of his head. "Babe, really," he adds when Harry climbs onto the nearest chair.

"Let me," Harry says. "Oi!" he calls everyone's attention, sounding like Louis.

Zain holds onto his hips to steady him just in case and shakes his head when Perrie catches his eye.

"We have an announcement," Harry says loudly when everyone turns slowly, chatter slowing down. He looks down at Zain for a moment and then shrugs. "Zain and I are engaged."

"Just now?" Trisha gasps, rushing forward to grab Zain in a hug, waiting just long enough for Zain to make sure Harry makes it off the chair without falling.

"Oh my god, you saps," Louis says over the sudden noise of congratulations being thrown out, clapping Harry's shoulder. "Because he painted for you? How clichéd."

Harry, squished between his mother and Perrie, turns to look at Zain, just as Louis makes it to him to hug him. "That's a much better story," he says. "Let's go with that."

"What's the real story?" Gemma asks when the onslaught of hugs and excitement has died down.

"Yes," Louis says with a smirk, "What's the real story?"

"Oh, yes," Anne says, sitting down on the couch with a new glass of wine. "You have to tell us!"

"Erm," Harry says, shooting Zain a glance.

"Zain's gonna come out awful in this," Perrie giggles into Gemma's neck.

Zain rolls his eyes. "Harry found the ring, that's all," he says. "So I asked and he said yes. Nothing really to tell."

"Beta," his father of all people says with a sigh.

Zain fights an eyeroll. "Not my fault he is nosy," he says.

"Not my fault you can't think of a better hiding place," Harry argues back, rolling his eyes at him. "Anyways. If anyone asks, it totally was because Zain painted me a whole series of picture, thanks."

"I think it fits," Gemma says with the grandeur of a very sloshed person, straightening up from her slouch. "You two kinda accidentally on purpose stumbled into everything and it turned out rather well, why not this as well."

"True," Louis agrees. "S how we had Freddie as well and that turned out fucking great."

They all break off into their own conversation as that and Harry looks at Zain, eyebrow raised. "Can you believe Louis and Gemma just defended us?"

"I mean," Zain says, pressing a kiss to the lovebite on Harry's neck. "They probably know the most about us at, seems like a good sign."

"Hm," Harry agrees, playing with his ring.

"The ring!" Anne exclaims and suddenly everyone converges onto Harry again.

Zain takes a step back, leaving him to fend them off, or rather indulge them, smiling at his father when he joins Zain instead of everyone else.

"Me behad khush hun, beta," he says, watching Trisha coo over Harry.

"Thanks, baba," Zain says, bumping their shoulders together, biting his lip against his happy grin.

Baba was happy and so was everyone else, all the nervousness of yesterday and the past weeks sliding off him. He leans a bit further against his father and enjoys the feeling of happiness all around him.