Tainted Love || l.s. ✓

Chapter 11

I hope to see a generous amount of comments

Harry knocked on Zayn's bedroom door tentatively, getting an immediate reply.

He opened up the door, stepping just inside. Zayn was lying on his bed, Louis sat on a beanbag next to it. Harry lingered in the doorway as Zayn greeted him.

"Has Niall left?" Zayn asked and Harry nodded.

"Yeah, he said he had plans. The light had gone anyway."

"He probably just wanted to get away from you." Louis huffed out a laugh and Harry narrowed his eyes.

Zayn cleared his throat, bringing Harry's attention back to him. "Did you want something?" He asked kindly.

"Um, I was gonna ask what you were doing about dinner?"

"Ordering pizza, I believe." Zayn looked to Louis for confirmation and Louis nodded.

"Oh, alright." Harry rested his head against the doorframe.

"Want a margarita? Or vegetable?"

"I'm okay, thank you." Harry shook his head. A curl dropped down across his face and he pushed it back, only for it to fall again.

"Half and half?" Zayn continued to offer, and Harry continued to shake his head. "What do you want then?"

"I'll get something myself, don't worry." Harry replied.

"But it's from your favourite pizza place." Zayn frowned. Obviously he was confused at Harry's rejection to the pizza he usually adored, but it wasn't a big deal.

"I just don't want it. I fancy something lighter." Harry told him. "Thanks though."

"Alright." Zayn said, his eyebrows knitted together. "Well, do you wanna sit with us?"

Harry looked to Louis, his face contorting in distaste. "No thanks."

"Thank fuck." Louis exhaled dramatically and Harry crossed his arms.

"Why don't you fuck off?" Harry snapped.

"I'd rather not. I'm quite comfortable here. Zayn and I are hanging out, and you're kinda putting a dampener on it."

"Guys," Zayn sighed, "please stop fighting."

"Pleasure." Harry muttered, leaving the room and shutting the door a tad too aggressively.

He moved to the kitchen, grabbing ingredients out of the fridge for a salad. He took the knife from the drawer, slamming it onto the counter. Okay, he needed to calm down. There was literally nothing to be upset about. He was being irrational.

He rinsed the vegetables off before clutching the knife and bringing it down harshly. Jesus fucking christ. As much as he didn't want to admit it, he was really fucking jealous that Zayn and Niall were hanging out with the person he detested the most.

It didn't help that he was feeling incredibly lonely at the minute. Seeing them hang out with such a horrible person felt like a betrayal.

"Babes," a voice broke Harry out of his thoughts. Harry looked up, slightly startled to see Zayn stood opposite him. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Harry grumbled, returning his attention to the vegetables.

Zayn reached out, grabbing Harry's hand to hold the knife still. "I ordered a spare pizza in case you want it."

"I don't fucking want pizza!" Harry snapped, his voice cracking. He immediately regretted it, looking to Zayn with sorrow on his face. "I'm sorry," he whispered, "I'm sorry, thank you."

Zayn coaxed the knife out of his hand, placing it down before pulling him into a hug. "What's wrong?"

Harry pushed his palms to his eyes, pressing himself close to Zayn. "I'm sorry."

"Harry, I really need you to talk to me." Zayn frowned.

"I don't fucking know what's wrong." Harry shook his head and Zayn squeezed Harry tighter. "There shouldn't be anything wrong. There wasn't anything wrong. I'm just exhausted. I just want something not too heavy to eat and I just want to rest-"

"Okay, alright. Sit down." Zayn placed a hand on Harry's shoulder, gently pushing him into a seat. "I'll make you a salad, and then I think it would be good to sleep."

"I don't want to see Louis." Harry spoke meekly.

"I know." Zayn sighed. "It's okay, he's staying in my room for a bit. He's not the reason for this, is he?"

It would be so easy to blame Louis for every little thing, because on the surface he did. But deep down he knew this was more. He bit his lip, shaking his head.

Zayn rested his hand on the side of Harry's head, pressing a kiss to the top of his curls.

Zayn started to chop up the vegetables, placing them in the sieve and rinsing them off. "Feta?" He offered and Harry nodded, slumping down into his arms on the kitchen counter.

Zayn slid the bowl towards Harry before sitting down next to him. "What are you going to do now?"

Harry murmured his thanks, giving Zayn a small, far too forced smile. "Think I might hide away in my room."

"I suppose hanging out with us is out of question." Zayn stated, wincing slightly.

Harry nodded sadly. "I wouldn't be good company anyway."

"I can kick him out if you want? I'm sure he won't mind too much."

"Don't worry." Harry shook his head. "I think I'll just go to sleep." He stood up, picking up the salad. "I'll eat this in my room too."

"I'll bring you in a cup of tea in a minute?" Zayn suggested and Harry nodded.

"Only if you're making one for yourself though. Love you." Harry gave Zayn another one-armed hug.

"Love you too." Zayn replied before Harry retreated to his room.

//

Harry was curled up on his bed with his knees to his chest and his head tucked into his elbows. His bear was pressed against his tummy, and he sniffled quietly as tears rolled down his face.

Zayn knocked on his door, stepping inside with a cup of tea. He placed it down on the bedside table before sitting next to Harry silently. He carded a hand through Harry's hair, running his thumb back and forth against his scalp.

"Is he still here?" Harry murmured.

"He is. Yeah." Zayn nodded.

Harry curled tighter in on himself. "It's rude to leave a guest unattended." He said in a tone that indicated that he was trying to tell a joke, but his voice fell flat.

"Don't worry babes." Zayn said. "Have some tea, that might cheer you up." Obviously it wouldn't, but tea was still good.

Harry sat up, putting his weight on Zayn as he took a few sips. His eyes felt heavy, and his body numb. The warm liquid coursed through him, coaxing him to rest.

"I'm gonna sleep." Harry said quietly, "love you Z."

"Love you too H." Zayn hugged him before leaving him alone.

Harry decided that he had to stop being sad around Zayn and Niall. They were beginning to worry too much about him, and Harry couldn't have that.