"Louis stop," Liam scolds.

Niall chuckles as he munches on his sandwich.

"Get married already," he grins.

"Shut up," Lou sasses back. Niall frowns and Liam shrugs sympathetically so he brushes it off and takes another bite of his sandwich.

"I don't know guys, college isn't really my thing."

"How do you know that Harry? What are you going to do? Work at McDonald's?"

I poke my tongue out at him but realize he has a valid argument. I'd be worthless without a uni degree.

"I mean I guess Zayn can be your sugar daddy."

Liam swats at his arm, a small smile splaying across his face. His arm loops around his neck as if to say mine and Louis beams proudly.

"We haven't even been on a proper date."

"Yeah but you've properly fucked," Lou smirks. "Doesn't that beat a date?"

"Not really," I sulk. "We haven't been mates forever like you and Liam. We're still in that stage where we don't really know everything there is to know about each other."

Drew swallows and turns to me, his crystal blue eyes gleaming.

"Harry, you should move in with him to learn more. You practically live there anyway. That way you can watch Netflix and cuddle on the couch or cook each other fancy meals."

"Always thinking about food," Liam laughs.

"Niall, how am I supposed to tell my mum that I want to live with my teacher? She keeps pressing me to introduce him."

"Then just tell her the truth Haz. I'm really saddened that you hurt yourself. We've been friends forever and I didn't even know you were in trouble. I just had no idea you did that to yourself. When you're with Zayn I know you're okay, I know he'll take care of you. He's just that type of guy."

Liam has always been the voice of reason in our friend group.

"Your mum would be happy to hear that you have someone like that in your life, that you're in love with a man that will stop at nothing to ensure your happiness."

He's a pleaser. Surely he can win her over with his words and a home cooked meal.

"You're right," I groan. "I should tell her."

...

"Harry baby, what happened to your hand?"

"It was an accident. Don't worry about it mum."

I kiss her cheek, a wide smile on my face and she falls for it. I feel guilty for all the lies but at least I can get one thing off my chest.

"How was work?"

"It was alright. How was school?"

"What should I do when I graduate?"

She places her hands firmly on her hips, her gaze landing on me.

"Whatever fits you best. I would like you to go to uni but if you want to go straight into the workforce that's alright too. Is something bothering you?"

"My boyfriend," I blurt.

"Did he hurt you? Are you fighting?"

"No," I blush, my gaze falling to the floor. "I think I'm ready for you to meet him. I haven't asked him yet but I'm sure he'd be okay with it."

"Really? That's wonderful!" She claps her hands together excitedly and kisses my forehead.

"He's uh," I clear my itchy throat "he's older than me."

"Not old enough to be your father, is he?"

I shake my head, trying to contain my laughter.

...

"You want me to meet your mum?"

"She won't be weirded out by it, I promise."

"Okay," he exhales. "Only because she gave birth to such a beautiful creature."

"Zaaayynn," I hide my face in my hands and he chuckles, moving them away to kiss me.

"It's true."

"She doesn't know I snuck out after dinner. I've been hiding so much from her."

He knits his brows together in concern and wraps his arms around my waist.

"Maybe you'll feel better if she meets me. I can invite her to my place and cook something. What does she like? I make a mean Yorkshire pudding."

"I dunno, we cook together a lot, I don't know how impressed she would be."

"Oh, let's just make something together then. That would be fun."

I let my heavy eyelids close, the sound of his steady heartbeat my favorite lullaby.

"My heart beats for you," I whisper. "Listen."

"They're in sync babe."

"I'm spent," I yawn.

"I'll wake you up love. Go to sleep."

He does wake me up to the smell of cinnamon raisin toast. Coffee is brewing and his hair is a fluffy mess atop his head. It's a beautiful sight, early morning light trickling through the windows.

"G'morning sunshine."

I smile sheepishly, my arms wrapping around him from behind. My head falls to his shoulder and I press kisses to his neck.

"I don't deserve you."

"Hush. Set the table for me."

I happily oblige and he grins as he sits down across from me.

"It's nice having you here. I get really lonely."

"You should get a dog."

"Yeah I guess I should. How is your poem collection coming along?"

"Good," I smile and play with my napkin. "I really want to be an author Zayn. Is that too unattainable?"

"Of course not babe. You'll have to work for it though. It takes so many drafts to get published. I'm talking several years."

I sigh dejected but he kisses the corner of my mouth.

"I believe in you babe."

"Are you ready to meet my mum tonight? I don't want to pressure you."

"It's fine babe. Is seven o'clock too late?"

"Its perfect," I grin.

...

"Please call me Anne."

She pulls Zayn in for a hug, a wide smile on her face.

"Harry didn't tell me how pretty you are."

I shrug and he blushes.

"If your mother wants to meet me sometime she can. We can have tea and lament about growing old."

I shoot her a frantic look, my eyes wide and she regrets saying anything.

"I'm sorry love, is she deceased?"

"No," he clears his throat. "She has breast cancer but she's battling it."

"I'm so sorry to hear that sweetie."

"He went on a cleaning spree before you came, dusted every corner and cabinet," I brag.

"Babe," he pleads. "It was nothing really. I'm always pretty neat and clean. Honest."

"It is very tidy, very organized," she compliments. "What do you do for a living Zayn?"

"Uhh, I'm a teacher."

"Oh how lovely. Harry was struggling quite a bit in his literature class at the beginning of the year. He has a perfect grade point average now. So smart," she boasts.

Kill me.

Zayn laughs, eyes flicking over to me so I just smile nervously. She senses something going on between us, quick to mention it.

"Did I say something?"

I glance over at Zayn for the go ahead and he nods his head affirmatively.

"Zayn is my lit teacher but my grade went us because of me. Not because of this...not because of us."

"Oh," she says surprised. "You never informed me about that Harry."

"Is it a problem? Please tell the truth."

"No, I just wish you would have trusted me. I'm not angry, just disappointed-"

"You're meeting me now," Zayn chimes in. "Harry wanted to tell you a long time ago but I wasn't ready. I wanted to wait until we were serious."

He covered for me.

She sighs and Zayn slips his hand into mine.

"He's the one mum," I can't fight the smile on my face.

"You're so young Harry . You haven't been in many serious relationships. I just don't know. You're moving so fast. How can you be so sure?"

"With all due respect Anne, I am experienced with love and heartbreak. Never have I felt something like this. I'm in love with your son and I can't look back. "

My heart flutters and my head falls onto his shoulder.

She smiles warmly, sending me a look that says you were right about him.

"Let's cook," Zayn suggests cheerily.

We do and his Yorkshire pudding is undoubtedly better. So much so my mum asks for the recipe.