AN: THIS IS A MADE UP STORY NO OFFENSE AIMED AT ANYONE WHO HAS A SHADY CHARACTER IN HERE.
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They arrived back in Havana, and then the hotel, just as the sun was setting, before nightfall.
Luckily it wasn't raining there.
Harry been dreading it because that meant Zayn would surely be going back to his own hotel and life soon after.
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He wasn't ready to let him go just yet. It felt like it was all happening too fast.
Maybe just one more night to say goodbye, he thought.
So as he was parking the car he decided to bite the bullet and asked Zayn to stay for dinner.
Zayn didn't hesitate before saying he would like to.
If he'd shown any reluctance, Harry would have immediately rescinded the invitation because he didn't want to impose himself on him.
So he'd watched him carefully when asked the question.
He smiled at Zayn, happy to get a few more hours with him.
He'd only asked for his company whilst dining. So he had no expectations about the rest of the night.
They went up to his suite to freshen up and leave their backpacks and then headed to the restaurant.
They requested a table by the window because as usual, the view of the city was amazing.
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When their server left to place their order, a silence fell between them.
It wasn't unusual for them to have quiet moments as those had happened plenty of times in the last few days.
Not all silences need to be filled with words.
But this time, this one felt different.
It wasn't uncomfortable exactly. It was heavy. Heavy with unspoken words.
Harry felt like maybe he needed to tell Zayn he wanted to see more of him after they left Cuba.
But Zayn hadn't given him any signs he wanted that too.
And how would that even work out anyway? Zayn lived in NY and he lived mainly in England even if he travelled a lot.
So instead of letting it stretch any further, Harry cleared his throat and asked him,
"Umm umm... So... What are your plans now? How much longer are you staying in Cuba?"
"Not much longer. I... I have something I need to take off and then I'll go back home. So...a few days."
"Oh..." Harry trailed off into silence.
"Do you wanna maybe...have a drink after dinner?" Zayn asked him
He hadn't been expecting that but he definitely liked that idea.
He heard what Zayn was saying without spelling it out.
"Sure... yeah. Can we have it in my room though? I'm kinda tired and not up for hanging out in the bar."
"Well... if you're tired then I don't want to impose babe. I can just go back to mine so you can rest."
Zayn said with huge grin. Clearly teasing him.
Harry grinned right back the two of them looking quite insane.
Their food was served soon after and they ate it hurriedly before rushing off upstairs to fuck each other to exhaustion
All night and into the wee hours.
It really felt like a proper goodbye.
When Harry woke up hours later and stretched his arm out hoping to cuddle a warm body,
He'd felt nothing but cool tangled sheets instead. Zayn was gone.
Of course he knew it wasn't forever but he was disappointed and a bit hurt.
He felt they such a great connection. Spiritual even. Definitely ethereal.
They had fit so perfectly together, Harry thought they were made for each other.
Were meant to be. It was written in the stars and all that sentimental bullshit.
He was a hopeless romantic and he couldn't help it.
He had been really looking forward to more time with Zayn before he left.
Maybe have some breakfast, chat a little bit more and explore this city.
But that wasn't going to happen.
Sure there was no question it might end after he went back home. But a man could hope and dream.
Having him for what little time they had been perfect.
Harry lay there for a while longer wallowing about what might have been, just staring at the ceiling.
Eventually he got up out of bed and stretched his body.
He groaned, his back cracking and arse muscles pulling a little from the remnants of their previous night activities.
Arms stretched up above his head, fingers wiggling and reaching for the sky.
He yawned big, with his tonsils showing as he put his hands back down and scratched his belly,
Walking towards the bathroom to take a morning piss.
When he was done, he flushed, washed his hands, face and brushed his teeth.
Then he left the bathroom to call room service for breakfast.
As he waited for his food, he got dressed in his sweatpants and a tee
Then sat on a couch checking his phone for any missed calls, messages and urgent emails.
He had nothing that needed his immediate attention and he was happy about that.
He had messages from all his friends.
Niall was at the hotel pool nursing a hangover with more booze.
Louis didn't want to be disturbed, he had a girl he pulled last night in late and he was taking a nap now cause she had left.
Liam had gone hiking. They were all happy he was back safe and sound.
Harry had the day to himself and he decided to explore the city some more.
A server brought Harry's food and he tipped him before he left after he had laid fruit salad, orange juice,
Yorkshire tea, coffee, scrambled eggs, 2 slices of whole-wheat toast and plain yogurt on the table from the delivery cart.
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He sat there enjoying his view of the city and thinking about Zayn.
Wondering where he was and what he what he was doing right at that moment.
As he polished off everything on his plate because he was famished.
The eggs where delicious but the tropical fruit salad in yoghurt tasted especially divine.
When he was done with his tea, he showered and got dressed before he went out.
He left the hotel and started exploring the city once again. He wanted to see the cathedrals and museums.
He stopped to watch street performers every so often thinking about his time in Trinidad.
His mind circled back to Zayn which was his new normal.
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HAVANA STREET PERFORMERS
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Was he also wondering about the City?
Was he also enjoying the views of Havana from somewhere up high or down low in the streets?
Was he enjoying them with someone else? Was he enjoying someone else?
Harry's chest tightened his heart clenching painfully.
It was possible he was with someone else. They were not a couple.
They weren't even a thing.
Harry sighed dejectedly. He wanted Zayn to him as much as he himself wanted him.
So much he wouldn't want anyone else and wouldn't want Harry with anyone else.
He shook his head to clear the depressing thoughts.
At least no one was paying him any mind.
He was especially enjoying how the Cubans left him alone.
Sure a fan was always lacking about for a picture and an autograph but they generally left him alone.
People smiled and waved in general greetings regardless if they recognized him or not too.
It was a very joyful place. A lot of happiness and positive energy in the air.
As much as he loved all his fans, It was nice to be left alone sometimes.
Do whatever he wanted, go wherever he wanted and walk around freely for a change.
It was almost like being in Japan. It was always peaceful there.
That's why he kept going back again and again. Well one of the major reasons why anyway.
He had been enjoying the vintage cars, sights and weather, walking around while sipping his ice latte to ward off some of the heat.
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He really liked vintage convertibles. Around Cuba they were everywhere!
Seeing them constantly felt like he was in car heaven.
It still made him excited even after seeing them everyday from the day he'd arrived.
His first stop was the Museo del Ron Havana club. The museum that showcases the history and process of making rum.
Well... Havana club rum to be exact.
The entrance fee was the same but it came with different packages.
The cheapest package, which is 7CUC, you get to taste one type of the rum distilled there and a rum cocktail.
So Harry paid for the pricey package, which is 12CUC.
He'd got to taste 3 different types of rum including their Maestro.
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MUSEO DEL RON HAVANA CLUB:
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He spent most of his day there because there was so much to see.
Harry enjoyed the guided tour and tasted the different samples of rum and had his rum cocktail.
And all the while, he was wishing Zayn was there to enjoy it with him.
He was so knowledgeable about Cuba.
Maybe he'd share a myth about the distillery or something, Harry thought with a fond smile.
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THE HAVANA CLUB RUM MUSEUM:
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He'd had so much fun exploring Trinidad with him. He was so smart and fit.
The whole package and all that.
Harry didn't mind exploring and discovering things and places on his own.
But he liked sharing those experiences with someone special too.
Sure he had his best mates and more often than not Liam was willing to go on adventures with him.
But he wanted someone who was more than a friend to do stuff like that with.
To kiss and hold hands as they walked around like he had with Zayn.
He was already used to having him around. Which was strange really.
He felt strongly bound to him. An intense otherworldly connection.
Which was a weird thought to have. Or even feel... Maybe
But that was life. Always throwing curve balls.
Through all his travels and the incredibly large number of people he had met so far
He knew some connections were instant and immediately had so much depth.
Some call it a soulmate connection, others a spiritual connection,
Where you just instantly click with someone.
It happens with different people and very rarely. It's why some people have that one or a few bestest friend/s.
Some are lucky to meet that friend or friends in childhood and that bond goes from strength to strength as they get older.
Others meet that great friend/s later on in life, who will stand by you come hail or high water.
Others find it in the person or people they fall love with.
That one irreplaceable love of their lives.
While others are lucky enough to fall in love with many different people, several times in their lives.
They are lucky enough to get do overs so to speak.
Or just privileged enough to get to feel that feeling many times over in one lifetime.
Some people don't get to fall in love even once in their lifetime.
His best mates were proof of such bonds and connections.
He had met all four in his late teenage years and they were still great friends now.
Some people are just meant to stick around.
And he wished Zayn had been one of them.
Maybe he'll meet him some time if he was still in Havana, Harry thought hopefully.
They managed it twice so far, so there was a chance.
He was barely listening to their guide, his mind drifting back to the past few days with Zayn.
All the things they'd done and places they'd been. Fucking each other tirelessly, relentlessly.
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MUSEO DEL RON HAVANA CLUB:
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It was way too soon for any talk of a commitment.
For all he knew maybe if he were to spend more time with Zayn he'd hate it and begin to dislike the bloke.
But he highly doubted that.
He knew he was trying to make himself feel better.
He wanted Zayn. He wanted a commitment. He wanted a relationship with the guy.
He bought 3 bottles of Rum to take home before he left the museum and went back to the hotel.
He stored then carefully in his closet. He would pack them in when he was packing to go home.
He'd heard people say they didn't allow any rum into the US brought in by people
That customs would confiscate it and throw it away
But he was going home to the UK so hopefully they wouldn't make a fuss.
Then he called his mates to hang out and they met by the poolside as the sun set.
They caught up on what they'd all been up to as they drank and enjoyed the purpling sky.
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HOTEL KEMPINSKI ROOF SWIMMING POOL:
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By midnight, they were all very inebriated and decided to go to bed.
None of them wanted to go out again.
The next morning Harry woke up late. He had no intention to stay couped up.
He was normally almost always up and about, constantly moving, so he got up and showered.
And got dressed in his beloved tan boots, his skinnies, a light shirt and tee, a fedora and his sunnies.
After he left the hotel he went to a cafe to had breakfast.
He missed Zayn so much. He felt like he was physically missing a limb.
Harry walked back to see the rest of the Museo Nacional Bellas
He had barely seen half of all the art and artifacts the last time he had been there.
Three big buildings of it all had been a bit much on limited time.
As he'd had every intention of going back to finish up his tour, before leaving Cuba, he did just that.
After walking around the last long gallery in the museum, he went out into the sun.
He perused more souvenir stands and little shops as he headed towards one of the eleven cathedrals in Cuba.
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CATEDRAL DE SAN CRISTÓBAL DE LA HABANA :
PLAZA DE LA CATEDRAL HABANA VIEJA :
LA CATEDRAL DE LA VIRGEN MARÍA DE LA CONCEPCÍON INMACULADA DE LA HABANA:
LA CATEDRAL DE LA HABANA:
(ALL THESE NAMES APPLY. MEANING YOU CAN USE ANY ONE.)
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The inside had beautiful artwork inside.
There were a number of frescoes, paintings and sculptures. A lot of gold frames and pieces.
Christopher Columbus' remains were kept in the cathedral between 1796 and 1898 before they were taken to Seville Cathedral.
The is a statute of Apolinar Serrano (July 23, 1833 - June 15 1876) who was a Spanish bishop of Havana and is buried in the cathedral.
On the altar are sculptures and goldsmith works made in Rome during the first half of the 19th century.
After looking at all the oil paintings on the walls as well,
Harry sat in the empty pews in the silent church.
He wasn't praying just contemplating those philosophical life questions that always seem to plague one's mind in such settings.
He didn't know how long he just sat there staring into space.
Someone sat down close next to him which brought him out his thoughts.
He was wondering why the person decided to sit right there when the whole church was empty.
God I hope it's not a fan! He thought guilty. Before turning his head slightly towards them to check.
Zayn.
Zayn had appeared out of nowhere like an angel. He hadn't even heard him walk up the aisle.
He had been wishing he would run into Zayn but hadn't really had any hope.
He couldn't stop the grin that spread slowly over his lips, almost splitting his face in half as stared at him.
Zayn was looking around like he was searching for something though.
When he didn't find whatever he was looking for, he turned back his attention to Harry and smiled back at him.
"Hi babe." He said in a quiet voice.
There was something about these hallowed places that demanded silence and respect.
One surely didn't feel the need to shout and disturb the peace.
"Hi Zayn... I was hoping to run into you."
"I'm happy to see you too babe."
Harry wanted to ask him where he had been?
Why he'd left without saying anything?
Why he hadn't come back to look for him at the hotel if he missed him and was really happy to see him now?
Why hadn't he stayed. But instead he said,
"Do you... maybe... wanna grab dinner with me?"
Before Zayn could answer, Harry was startled by the sudden loud yells ringing out over the pews and echoing off the cathedral walls.
The hollow interior and high ceilings made the loud booming voice bounce back and forth, amplifying the sound.
Harry turned towards the Padre who was yelling
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POPE JOHN XXIII:
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"¡Ese es el de ahi! Él es El único! ¡Ese es el ladrón!"
( "That's him over there! He's the one! That's the thief!" )
He was yelling as he pointed at Zayn.
Instantly chaos thickened the air. Cathedrals definitely weren't meant for noise.
From Harry's very limited Spanish vocabulary all he caught was the word thief.
As more commotion ensued with the sounds of numerous heavy boots stomping the floor as they headed their way.
Zayn's eyes widened, becoming so big and round in his face as he turned and glared at the Padre in disbelief.
He looked so panicked, like a deer caught in headlights.
He immediately stood up and it looked like he was about to make a run for it
But he was instantly surrounded by the Policia. They were everywhere.
He didn't stand a chance. There was no escape.
Harry sat there stunned silent with his mouth hanging open.
He had no idea what was going on but he didn't think whatever it was Zayn did it.
When one of the officers grabbed Zayn and turned him around so he could cuff him
Harry immediately sprung to his feet too. They were being so rough with him.
"Where are you taking him?! He didn't do anything!
"Whatever you think he did, it wasn't him
"He was with-..." Harry was getting more frantic as the group of men in uniform ignored him and started pushing a handcuffed Zayn towards the double doors.
He'd been talking rapidly, taking long strides following behind them.
Almost jogging trying to catch up because they seemed to be in such a hurry.
"Shush Harry! Quiet! It's okay. I'll be fine."
Zayn said in a frosty harsh voice, turning to look at him when Harry was about to implicate himself and bare false witness.
Harry instantly clamped his mouth shut as his face fell.
He'd only been trying to help and he'd never heard Zayn sound so cold towards anyone before.
Zayn must have seen Harry's reaction because he gentled his voice when he spoke again
"I promise babe, I'll be fine... Promise."
Harry hesitantly nodded. But he didn't believe him.
He turned back and looked at the Padre.
Thinking maybe he could plead with him instead, since he seemed to be one who had called the police.
But he saw the man had an dark self-satisfied smirk on his lips.
Harry gasped aloud, hand on his chest because he had never seen a supposedly "holy man" look so evil before.
Peace and benevolence entirely non-existent on his features.
When he looked back towards the group Zayn was being shoved in the back of a police car.
The rest of the squad got into their various vehicles and left immediately.
Leaving only dust and bewildered onlookers.
Harry felt so helpless and distressed. What was going on?!
He left the church so confused.
He couldn't have stayed even if he wanted to ask some questions. The church closes it's doors at 5pm.
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HARRY:
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What had Zayn gotten himself into?!
That priest was shouting something like... thief! thief! Harry was almost sure of it.
He didn't speak or hear Spanish perfectly but he had at least caught that.
Why would Zayn steal from the church?
Was that what he did for a living? Stealing? Robbing?
Was this how he could afford to stay in five star hotel?
Harry couldn't believe it. Not the Zayn that had helped Juan and his grandma!
He could keep wondering aimlessly around the streets. That wasn't helping.
The only thing he could do now was head to his suite.
He didn't bother looking for his mates or telling them anything because he knew what they would say.
It was the same thing his lawyers would say if he called them for legal advice about this.
It's the same thing his management team would say.
His mum, his sister, his label, anyone really.
It wasn't his problem and he should stay out of it lest it affect his life, livelihood, career and reputation.
So he paced around his hotel room all night.
When the walls felt like they were closing in because his anxiety were hitting the roof
He stepped out onto his balcony for some air. Less confining.
Regardless of everything that was happening it was still a gorgeous view.
Maybe even more beautiful at night than it was during the day.
There was no way he was going to sleep at any rate, so it was good to have something so lovely to look at.
He was trying to think of what he could do with making a fuss and bringing unwanted attention to himself and Zayn.
After all he was still Harry freaking Styles and the media would lap up this shit!
He could imagine the headlines now:
HARRY STYLES' BOYFRIEND ARRESTED IN CUBA FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING!
HARRY STYLES PLAYS VICTIM AFTER BOYFRIEND CAUGHT SELLING DRUGS!
HARRY STYLES: VACATION OR DRUG MULE?
HARRY STYLES CAUGHT BUYING DRUGS IN A CHURCH FROM UNKNOWN DRUG DEALER!
He wasn't stupid. Everyone knows Cuba has a bad reputation about hard drugs and guns
And the tabloids couldn't care less about getting out the right information.
It's always about sells, algorithms, click bait, ratings.
Even if the attached article wouldn't have anything to do with him and drugs,
The headlines would always be designed to grab the people's attention.
And when people opened them to read more, that's all the tabloids needed.
So no. He wouldn't be telling a single person about this. Not a one.
Sure he trusted his family and his mates but the walls have ears.
One never knew who was eavesdropping and itching to become an "insider" or "source".
One can never be too careful.
He'd make a plan himself. Whatever that entailed.
The balcony wasn't helping anymore. It was the early hours of the morning.
Harry decided to take a walk.
It was around 5am. Still dark out but the east was already lightening.
He left his phone and wallet so as not to tempt any thieves.
He took his key card and headed to the reception desk.
He asked the lady there to keep it for him and he'd come back and get it from her when he got back.
He wasn't taking any stupid chances.
She nodded affirmatively and he left.
Nodding a hello to the doorman as he passed through it as he'd opened for him.
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THE STREETS OF HAVANA:
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He walked the mostly silent streets wrecking his brain but nothing came to him.
As he passed street after street, some corners had a few prostitutes at them.
Offering their services to passersby.
A few people where coming out of clubs or parties or wherever.
He was about to turn to go back, when he saw a cop standing with a curvy woman
who had most of her tits spilling out of a cosset and long legs in a micro miniskirt.
The bobbie was leaning casually on the wall behind him as he talked to her.
She looked very frustrated and annoyed.
Harry wondered how a cop could possibly be bargaining for her wares (if that's what he was doing)
When, 1: he was a cop. Supposed to arrest her not speak so casually to her "at her job"
And 2: keep persisting when clearly she wasn't interested.
He was supposed to uphold the law not break it. That too in uniform.
He watched as she took some folded bills from her waistband and handed them to the cop.
The bobbie creepily leered at her and then waved as he finally walked away.
And that's when it hit Harry. Alot of cops around the world where corrupt and He was in Cuba!
He turned around real quick like before he was noticed by either of the two.
Lord only knew how much more trouble it would cause if he was caught watching and literally jogged back to his hotel.
He took back his room key and too the lift back to his room upstairs.
Though the police station was open 24hours, it was still too early to request a private tour.
It was around 6am now and he would to wait for another hour. Maybe two. Or three.
He finally had a plan and he was hoping against all hope everything worked out.
There was no way he was going to bed now so he went ahead and showered and changed.
He googled the number and at 8am he called the Chief of Police.
He shamelessly capitalized on his name. The was very happy to here from a big celebrity.
He asked if he could go and see what the prison was like.
Maybe get a special celebrity tour. He might be so inclined to donate if they needed anything.
The was thrilled at the mention of money and Harry knew he'd found a way in.
He'd tested the waters with by mentioning donations and the fish had bite.
He left the hotel at 8am and drove to the police station.
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COMANDANCIA DE LA POLICÍA NACIONAL REVOLUCIONARIA DE LA HABANA:
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At the gate he was let in with pomp and flourish when he had given them his name.
The came out immediately from the building to greet him, he'd clearly been waiting.
He took Harry on a private tour around the station and led him to his office when they were done.
"Thank you so much for making time out of your no doubt busy schedule to take on personal tour
"No no, it's no trouble at all Señor Styles. It was my pleasure to show you around our humble station."
He said with a big smile. His accent was quite light.
"So about the donation..." He saw the man's ears peck up instantly.
He paused for dramatic effect and to be sure he wasn't bucking up the wrong tree.
The leaned in closer at his side of the desk. Harry could see the greed clearly.
"Sí Señor Styles?"
"I'd like to make a donation to the station and a personal one to you too for all your hard work around here.
"I believe great work should always be rewarded."
The man beamed happily at him. Harry could see he was especially pleased to hear that.
"Oh no Señor. I couldn't possibly dream to take anything from you. I do my job so we'll because I love it."
He said feigning humbleness. Harry wasn't buying it. So to test him again he said,
"Alright. I admire a gracious man. I'll donate the funds to your subordinates."
His eyes enlarged in shock at that, his mouth gaping like a fish out of water.
"NO! I-I mean... If you insist on giving it, then I have no choice but to receive it Señor Styles! I can only thank you for being such a generous man."
"Alright then, it's yours Sir. But... I'm going to need a favor..."
"Sure! Anything for you Señor. We're good friends now!"
"There's a man, a British man who was arrested yesterday afternoon. His a good mate of mine... I need him released."
"Well... How good a friend is he to you Señor?" He leaned in even further.
Hands stapled together, elbows on the desk, watching Harry closely and waiting.
Harry could see he was obviously trying to gauge how important the man was to him because that meant more money.
He was like a shark in the water, searching for any hint of blood.
Of weakness.
"I wouldn't say he's one of my best mates.
"He's just someone I know from back home.
"I would feel guilty looking his mother in the eye knowing I left her son in jail over here."
Harry said face set in stone. He wasn't going to give anything away if he could help it.
The Chief intently stared at him saying nothing for a few more moments.
Probably trying to make him squirm, Harry thought.
But he kept himself as still as a marble statue, staring right back.
The man finally grinned sharply and said,
"Okay Señor. For a small donation of $50,000 I can do this small favor for you.
"After all you're a man of means so I'm sure this is but a small drop in your overflowing bucket, no?"
The conniving look on his face made Harry's stomach churn with disgust.
But ever the diplomat he merely schooled his features and gave him a small smile as he bullshitted his way to paying less.
Obviously he could afford it but he wasn't going to just give it away.
"How would I explain that to my account though? It's not a charity or NGO I'm paying it to. So it's not tax deductible.
"You're not in my employee and haven't done any work for me that's worth so much either
"I need to make a payment I can easily explain away. Like oh, say... I bought a painting from you or something.
"That way they won't look any further into your accounts and finances either.
Harry knew he was spewing a lot of nonsense here and he was hoping the man was none the wiser.
Of course he'd paid for art that cost more than fifty thousand but this man was just irksome and so greedy!
"How about I donate $15,000 to you and $5,000 to the station? Less paperwork and enquiries for the both of us.
"Which guarantees us no headaches."
He knew the man was likely taking the station donation as well.
At the mention of people looking into his finances the Chief blanched for a second.
He looked a bit green around the gills like he was about to puke from apprehension.
"Eso es perfecto Señor Styles. Let's do that!"
"Great! Well then-" Harry said already getting up.
"No Señor. You will have to wait. I cannot let everyone see you leave with him.
"You can go and wait at the hotel. I will send him out later. After you're gone from here."
Harry tried not to deflate visibly. To not show how disappointed he was to here that.
It would definitely show the main he cared more than he'd let on.
Instead he forced a cheerful grin.
"Alright Sir. I'll be off then..." He tried hard not to ask he really did.
But he really couldn't keep it in
"So... How long... How long until you let him out?"
"Oh don't worry Señor it won't be long." He said with a smarmy grin.
Harry wrote the check and handed it to him.
He got up and walked to the door and hesitated before opening it.
Standing there for a moment with his back towards the chief's desk.
This man could be lying and wouldn't release Zayn
But honestly there was nothing more he could do. So he opened it and walked out.
He got back in his car but didn't drive back to the hotel.
He just sat there parked, watching the gate, waiting for Zayn to come out.
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ESTACÍON DE POLICÍA:
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When came out two hours later, Harry got out of the car, ran over to him and hugged him tight in relief.
He had started worrying the Chief wasn't going to let him out.
Zayn was clearly surprised to see Harry there because it took him a moment to respond and hug him back.
"What are you doing here babe?" He asked voice muffled into Harry's shoulder.
Harry kissed Zayn's neck his face tucked in the crook of his neck before he answered
"I was worried so I came to bail you out. Sort of..."
Zayn pulled back to look at Harry's face with both eyebrows raised.
"What? How? Why?" He asked all at once clearly shocked
"What do you mean why? I was worried and I wasn't going to leave in there.
"The how... Well... Money. I paid the police Chief."
Zayn's face was a complicated mix of emotions but Harry read the surprise, apprehension, distress and joy clearly.
Some weren't so clear and Zayn schooled his features back into a blank look before he could decipher them.
"Don't get me wrong babe, I'm happy you were worried enough about me, a near stranger to go out of your way and do all that.
"But... How do you I didn't do what I was accused of?
"If the media found out you were out here in Cuba paying bribes to get a criminal out you'd be in so much trouble legally.
"You could have gotten arrested and put in prison, if the Chief of Police was an upstanding officer or the law.
"Despite what people think, the laws here are actually quite strict on corruption and everything else.
"Your life, your career all messed up by something like that and for someone you barely know.
"I hope you don't go around doing stuff Ike this all the time?"
Harry's face fell because honestly he was right. He had been reckless.
Of course he had thought about the possible consequences
Well... not the legal ones just the media ones.
For all he knew Zayn was an axe murderer here and in the US or the UK for that matter!
He could be a wanted criminal or something.
But... He didn't care.
Zayn put his hand on his cheek, lifting his face so Harry wasn't looking down anymore but looking into his eyes
"I'm really not that bad, I promise. But you didn't know that and risked everything.
"Thank you for thinking I'm worth it. Even though I suspect you hadn't really thought it all through."
He pecked Harry on the lips. Kept them mouths attached for a few seconds longer then pulled away.
He smiled at Harry then and asked,
"How much did that old sod bleed you out by the way?"
Harry smiled back at him finally relaxing.
"He wanted 50k but I gave him 20 instead." Harry beamed at Zayn proudly as they got in the car.
"Babe." Zayn sighed. He looked both chaffed and exasperated.
"I was getting out anyway. I told you it would be alright.
"That whole show was for the padre's benefit. I wasn't getting arrested for real."
"Wait!... What?! What do mean not arrested?! They had you in cuffs and they manhandling you!"
"Well it had to look innit? I can say more than that though.
"But that geezer pulled a fast one on you and swindled you outta that money.
"I'm paying it all back to you of course yeah."
"No it's alright. I didn't pay it thinking you'd give it back.
"Besides I didn't see him leave to go cash or deposit the check so I can cancel it right now."
"You do that. Let's make sure it bounces when he gets to the bank." Zayn said giggling
Harry laughed too. What he wouldn't give to see that bastard's face when it all fell through!
"So... You really weren't in trouble then?" Harry asked Zayn after he'd logged out of his banking app.
"I really wasn't. I'm not right now either. Though I have to leave Cuba now so I don't accidentally run into the priest.
"He still needs to think I'm in jail."
"Hmmm... Is this the one thing you were talking about doing before you left Cuba?"
"Yeah babe. I'm leaving tomorrow."
Harry sighed again. So this was really it then.
"Do you like... Would you spend the rest of the day with me?"
Zayn looked at him contemplatively. Like he mulling something over in his mind.
Harry thought for sure he was going to refuse him but he surprised him by agreeing.
"If you don't mind, we can stop by my hotel and I can grab my stuff and checkout?
"Spend the night at yours? But only if that's okay with you babe." Zayn added
Harry bit his bottom lip trying to hide the huge grin threatening to burst on his lips.
Of course he didn't mind at all! He nodded his head happily.
"Sure. S'cool. I don't mind Zayn.
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DID YOU KNOW ACROPHOBIA IS THE FEAR OF HEIGHTS?
THANK YOU FOR READING 💜