the boy who loved the moon «on hold»

five

"You're sleeping on the couch tonight," Zayn called as we made our way inside. I just nodded numbly, only barely registering his voice before sitting on the couch itself. It was pretty sturdy and plushy, a bit rough but that wouldn't could be fixed by putting a blanket over it. Zayn disappeared through the hall, probably heading to his room. I listened to his steps on the other room, half conscious of them, half conscious of my thoughts. I really just wanted something to eat and then head off to sleep. I'd probably even take the goddamn skirt off once Zayn was definitely asleep.

He walked back a few minutes later, carrying a blanket and several other items in his arms. He set them down beside me, looking around and shoving his hands in his pockets. "I'm gonna order a pizza for dinner. Anything specific?"

I shook my head to answer, looking at the pile of fabrics beside me. There was a big blanket, a pillow, a paint splattered t-shirt, and a pair of sweatpants — which I immediately went to the bathroom and got changed into. I stepped back out, laying down on the couch and closing my eyes. Zayn merely snorted, making me open my eyes again and look at him upside down where he was standing over me.

"What?" I asked, half indignant and half tired. Being a hungover for a day was definitely not fun.

Zayn shrugged, a smile sneaking its way into his lips. "You look tired as hell," he noted, earning a groan from me in reply.

"Thanks for pointing out the obvious. The skirt wasn't helping either," I pointed out, rubbing my face with my hands just barely staying awake. I didn't even have the energy to eat, let alone wait for the food to arrive. 

But I stayed up until the pizza arrived and relished in three slices — Zayn insisted, saying there'd be too much left over to fit in the fridge, apparently. We bid each other goodnight, and I was left in the couch to sleep. Only, only now I wasn't sleepy. I laid, wide awake, watching the ceiling. Tried counting sheep or flowers or moons or just counting, yet nothing worked. 

I decided to stand up and walk around, curiosity taking over me. For someone who has spent her whole life not experiencing things, I was pretty damn curious. 

I wondered around the kitchen — the fridge did have enough room for another slice, surprise there — and the living room. I even checked out the bathroom and looked around for any sort of medicine Zayn would take — which was nonexistent, of course.

There was another door at the end of the hallway, closed, leaving my imagination to run wild as to what was on the other side of it. I couldn't even collect my thoughts as I let my hand close around the knob, testing it out. It was unlocked, for sure, yet I still hesitated for a second. Would this be a violation of Zayn's privacy, even if it wasn't locked?

Another noise startled me though, coming just a few feet behind me. I froze, my body now alert to any other sudden movement. I wasn't startled the second time I heard a noise.

"What are you doing, Morgan?" Zayn's voice rasped lowly, almost in a whisper. I let my shoulders drop as I relaxed, relieved it was only him.

"I—I couldn't sleep," I stammered out. "I was just, looking around, s'all."

I turned around a bit, my eyes glancing at him quickly. He wore sweats that hung low on his hips, leaving his torso naked to the sight. Tattoos lined his chest and arms, more than I had seen through his shirts. He looked twice as fit without his shirt on, exposing his toned abdomen and arms.

And why the hell was I checking him out?

He nodded slightly after a few minutes, holding up his finger to signal I wait before leaving to the living room. I slumped against the wall, leaning my head back and closing my eyes. I didn't know what he was going to do, but I took his quiet response like a good sign. I mean, he would've yelled at me if he though I was doing something insane, right? Probably even kick me out.

He came back a few minutes later, his hand enclosed around the handle of a mug that oozed steam. His fingers swiftly closed around the doorknob, opening the door and slipping inside. He left the door open for me, his eyes wondering around the room as he sipped from the cup.

I felt my feet dragging me in, my own gaze flying around everywhere with amazement. At least three of the four walls where inked with spray paint, from side to side, completely. Different drawings and designs painted all around, varying in lightness, colors, and sizes. Superheroes, comic sketches, caricatures, even several flowers here and there.

Even though it shouldn't have surprised me, there it was, in the middle of the largest wall. A moon.

Yet, it wasn't like the moon you'd just gaze at from your window. No, this moon was glorious, surrounded by lights and shadows and birds and a beautiful sunset. And, the moon itself, wasn't just white with circles on its surface. It was pale yellow, with shadows excellently done to show its craters and impurities. Even if it was filled with flaws, it looked perfect in its place, like nothing should be changed about it. It was, by far, the most exquisite piece of art I had ever had the pleasure of witnessing.

My mind couldn't even process words, it couldn't fathom a sentence together, at least not one that could fully express my feelings towards it. Every word seemed unfulfilling, none would be able to actually gives justice to such incredible masterpiece. I stared for what seemed like hours, not even noticing what Zayn was doing behind me. I stood mesmerized, trying to gather something to say, even if it wasn't enough.

"Zayn," I finally whispered. He turned from where he was, looking at me for a second.

"Art is meant to be felt, and only now did I finally get the meaning of those words."

a/n: chapter five done!

i'm really sorry for taking so long, this last month has been filled with school stuff. i finish next week, on friday, and i'll start updating faster from there.

i hope you liked this chapter, please vote and comment

thank you for finally getting me to 500 reads, let's get to a thousand now, please

all the love

- andy .x