Chapter Text
If your wandering ever leads you.
A bright smile, that’s what Harry woke up with every morning. It had been a week since the day him and Zayn hung out, deciding to try them again, to be a couple again. And sure Harry hadn’t seen Zayn since then but they talked every night and text during the day. Harry couldn’t count how many times Grimmy had caught him giggling at someone funny Zayn said.
Grimmy was, as Harry told everyone, a good boss but he was an even better friend. So when it came to this, he understood. It’s not like Harry slacked in his job anyway. He always came in on time, helped people out and closed up in the night. Grimmy had nothing to complain about.
“I am telling you Styles, nothing can best the Stine.” Grimmy and Harry were arguing about authors yet again. This time Grimmy was team R.L Stine while Harry took the side of Stephen King.
“Children books! He writes children books!” Harry protested which only made Grimmy roll his eyes. “Doesn’t matter. He still writes quality stories.” That was Grimmy ultimate argument on the whole thing. Harry shook his head. “How do you own a book store?”
Grimmy didn’t have time to reply, the sound of the bell going off at the front door indicating someone was there. The older boy went to see the customer as Harry got back to doing the various things he did every day.
“Styles!” Harry sighed at his name. For someone to own a bookstore Nick hardly knew anything about books. But whenever Harry asks why the man just shakes his head and says. “Pays the bills.”
When Harry approached the front a smile broke out on his face. “Deja vu.” Harry said and watched a smile appear on Zayn’s face, Grimmy disappearing to somewhere, saying something about sorting books.
“Hey” Zayn said with a chuckle, his hand going to the back of his neck; he was nervous. Harry could tell.
“Hi.” Harry spoke softly. Harry guessed it was different for Zayn. Different because he didn’t remember, it was like they were starting all over again.
“When do you, get off?” Zayn asked, his voice soft and low and vey hesitant. Harry remembered the last time he heard that tone of voice from Zayn. And he couldn’t stop the memory from flashing in his mind.
(He looked so cute in his think frame glass, tongue sticking out in concentration as he worked on a sketch. Harry had been crushing on Zayn for the past year, though he’d never say anything. He was always too scared but what he didn’t know was that the boy had the same feelings for him.
“What?” Zayn asked laughing, looking all around the room, himself nervous as he rubbed the back of his neck.
“Nothing, nothing. You just – you look like you’re really into that.” Harry pointed to the pad Zayn was drawing on and watched the older boy smile. “Wanna see?”
Harry’s breath was lost as he stared down at the drawing of, well, him. Zayn hadn’t missed a beat. Harry eyes were the right green, his curls perfect and he looked like he was thinking, which to be honest he probably was. Harry’s eyes flickered from the drawing to Zayn. “Zayn – this is me. This, it’s amazing.” Harry breathed as he couldn’t stop the growing smile from taking over his face.
“You’re amazing.” Zayn said in that voice. Those small words meant so much more than anyone would ever know. And that night Harry and Zayn spent their night talking, Zyan telling him how he felt and it lead to them becoming more then friends.)
“Now.” Was spoken before Harry could get a word out, Harry turned to see Grimmy standing behind him, ushering him with his hands to go on with Zayn.
“Now, I guess.” Harry smiled and he and Zayn both knew they were okay with that.
To a place where you don’t know which to choose.
“How’s work?” Zayn asked as soon as he and Harry made their way out of the store, walking along the sidewalk. “Slow, but it’s great. How’s work for you?” Harry given Zayn bright smile and Zayn, as he used to, returned it.
“Great. I’m working on a few things right now – a few paintings. Which you know, isn’t my thing but I’m trying something different.” Harry smiled at that because painting wasn’t something Zayn did but it was something Harry had told him he needed to try.
“I’m sure they are perfect.” Harry complimented the non-seen work, but he knew his boyfriend, he knew he was doing a good job.
"I'm not sure - I want to take you out somewhere but I don't remember where we use to go or anything." Zayn told Harry, closing his eyes frustrated but Harry smiled at this, Zayn was still his old self, even if Zayn didn't remember.
"We still go to our old hang outs. We tried going on a fancy type date once and it didn't end so well." Harry laughed at the memory and Zayn looked down, likehe was mad at himself or something.
"Would you tell me about it?" Zayn asked hopefully and how could Harry say no to that? "Of course." Harry then went into the story while the night played back into his mind.
(Zayn had told Harry to wear something 'casual but not too casual' for tonight and Harry was more then confused why but when Zayn got there in Harry's plaid shirt and dark jeans he told him they were going somewhere nice. A restaurant, one that just opened and Zayn was determined to treat Harry to a fancy night. But it was all but fancy for them.
It took an hour for them to get there table - even though they had reservations - and nearly another to get there drinks. "I'm sorry." Zayn kept saying but Harry would brush it off and say it was okay. Because it was, it always was okay when he was with Zayn. Harry was having a real good time, even if the service was bad.
When they got their food, Zayn's was cold and Harry ended up getting sick from his. The long story short was that they never went out to a place like that again and that's how they got their movie nights because since Harry was sick; that's what they did.)
By the end of the story, Zayn was laughing and nodding. "I could picture that happening to us." Zayn told Harry and Harry couldn't help but laugh along with him as they continued to walk. "How about that spot, under the dogwood tree in the park." Zayn suggested. It had been a while since Zayn and Harry had visited there, it was winter and Harry could hardly stand the cold weather; but today the wind was low and the sun was out and he couldn't resist the yes that came out of his mouth.
Leave your worries behind.
Zayn and Harry sat under the dogwood, the leaves gone but the memories there. Zayn wasn't being shy, his arm around Harry as Harry laid his hand on his shoulder. They just talked, Harry telling Zayn about them, about the times they had with each other. It was nice, watching Zayn respond with raised eyebrows or shy smiles or even a smirk.
"We had our first kiss here." Harry whispered, feeling Zayn's eyes burning into him as he spoke. "We did?" Zayn asked and Harry just nodded, smiling like a goof at the scene that played in his head.
("Zayn I refuse to chase you around this tree!" Harry shouted as Zayn laughed. It was nearly the end of summer and the two boys were just messing about, being themselves as they chased each other around their favorite tree. You would think they were five years old, but they didn't care. Zayn ran straight into Harry, knocking them both onto the ground. On purpose of course.
"Hello curly." Zayn's voice was light and airy, his hot breath on Harry's lips and Harry gasped. He didn't say anything back, to speechless too and Zayn took that as a sign to kiss him.
It was slow and soft and so so sweet. Harry wasn't even standing but his knees still went weak, his body trembling and only from a small kiss. It was a first kiss that Harry would always keep stored in his favorite memories.)
Zayn's eyes caught Harry's finally and stayed there as if Zayn was trying to figure something out. Harry felt his heart pound in his chest as Zayn's fingertips caressed Harry's cheek. Zayn started to lean in and that was it. Zayn's lips connected with Harry's and all he saw were fireworks. It had been so long, too long since Harry had felt Zayn's lips against his and god did it feel amazing. So amazing, he couldn't help but whimper.
That seemed to encourage Zayn though as his grip on Harry tightened and pulled him closer to him. Their lips moved together in sync, slow and needy and very sweet. It wasn't until Zayn licked into Harry's mouth did he realize he was sitting on Zayn's lap, his arms draped around him pulling him as close as possible as Zayn kept a grip on Harry's waist.
Zayn tasted just like Harry remembered. There was that tang of smoke that Harry had grown to love, and that part that was so Zayn he couldn't describe it even if you paid him to.
"Damn." Zayn murmured as they pulled away, foreheads pressed against each other’s as they took in deep breaths.
Take the road that leads to mine.
It was nighttime now and Harry and Zayn stood in front of Harry's house. "Thank you. For today I mean. I had an amazing time and it was great, hearing all that stuff from you, about us." Zayn told Harry and he could feel his heart flutter.
"No, thank you, really." Harry found himself blushing as he felt Zayn's eyes wonder over him. "You can come in, if you want. No pressure." Harry told Zayn, watching as the older boy think about his options before he nodded. "I'll come in, yeah."
It didn't happen fast. Harry and Zyan both went into the kitchen and had a small talk as they got themselves a drank and after that they watched some cheap budget movie on TV but as soon as that was over Harry found himself being pulled into Zayn as he trailed kissed from Harry's shoulder to his neck. Closing his eyes Harry didn't expect much to happen tonight but it wasn't like he was going to say no. Even if he should, he could never say no to Zayn's touch.
It always set him on fire, like a match and he was trying his hardest to hold back several moans he wanted to let loose. Zayn's lips landed on Harry's and it was like Harry was in a different world. One that only consisted of Zayn and Zayn only.
Their kisses weren't as soft as they were before and they went from sweet to passionate. Zayn's hands were everywhere. From Harry's locks, to his waist to his thighs and finally they landed soft on his ass pulling his hips to his and Harry moaned into Zayn's mouth.
The two fumbled to Harry's bedroom, trying not to break the intimate kiss they were sharing as Zayn laid Harry down on the bed. Zayn pressed their bodies together and groaned at their contact, his lips parting from Harry's. "I want to, but I don't, have we-?" Zayn's eyes were dark, and Harry knew what he was asking. "Yes." Was all Harry could say, his voice shaky, his breath shallow. "Do you? Should we?" Harry liked this Zayn, flustered, breathless and horny. "It's up to you." And it was, Harry didn't want Zayn to be uncomfortable because even though they had done this plenty of times, Zayn didn't remember.
And I’ll be waiting for you.
It was a few hours later and no - Zayn and Harry didn't go all the way; even if they wanted to. They stuck with soft kisses, sweet moans
And though it wasn't their usual after their dates it was still amazing and a new memory for Harry to hold onto and for Zayn to never forget.
They stayed cuddled all night as Zayn whispered sweet nothings into Harry's ear. "How could I have forgotten this?" Zayn whispered but Harry wasn't sure if he was to hear it so he waited to see if Zayn would speak again. "How could I have forgotten us?" Zayn said again, louder this time and Harry found himself craning his neck to look at Zayn. "Zayn.." Harry voice was soft but yet he wasn't sure of what to say.
"I'm sorry." Zayn stroked Harry's cheek and Harry smiled sadly at him. "Don't worry about it, babe. All that matters is that you're here now and we're together again. The past is the past and even though it was a good one, I'm look forward to the future with you just as much. So let's keep it to that, the future."
Harry felt his heart swell at the look on Zayn's face. It was love, that look that Harry loved to wake up to in the mornings and fall asleep to at night. It was back and Harry didn't care if Zayn remembered the past, as long as Zayn still loved him.
"How did I get so lucky? Really, Haz. I wouldn't have it in me to wait; it would have hurt too much. I would have moved on already." Zayn told Harry and Harry could only smile because what he did wasn't easy but love was never easy and that was something he learned a while ago.
"It was because I loved you, I still love you. It could have taken years Zayn, years. No matter what, I'll always be waiting for you. Always." And as they settled and huddled close together, Zayn's arm wrapping protectively around Harry and Harry placing his head on Zayn's chest, Harry knew it was all going to be okay.
But before he closed his eyes and went to sleep he heard Zayn say softly and distant. "I love you too, Harry. I love you too."