Stepping Towards Zero | ✓

10 > Step Towards Two

"A PIZZA should taste like this."

Finn hummed as he took the last bite of his slice, savoring the taste of molten cheese. "Jesus, I love cheese so much."

A shiver ran through him as the wind flowed, the night pitch dark with stars as the only source of natural light. The streetlights cast a white light over them, and the silence was soothing. Eilidh's idea of a date was in an abandoned park, with hardly any people, fresh orange juice, and delicious takeaway pizza.

Eilidh laid down, using her purse as a leverage under her head. She crossed her hands over her chest, a smile on her face. "Lie down, Finn. It's peaceful here."

Finn wiped his hands on his jeans, and lied down, the grass pricking his exposed skin. He extended his arm and looked at Eilidh.

"It will feel much more romantic if you place your head on my hand."

She opened her eyes, and scooted over, placing her head on his arm. Finn kissed her forehead and grinned. "It's much better now." She swatted him on his forearm. Finn closed his eyes, moved his head closer to Eilidh when he felt his hand touch leather. He peeked over Eilidh. The journal Eilidh carried with her was visible from the zipper of her bag.

"I am curious about what you write in the book." He traced a line down her arm, her hand tensing up under his touch.

"I don't write much. I sketch."

"What do you draw?" he asked.

She narrowed her eyes at him. "None of your business."

Finn sighed and laid back. He closed his eyes, feeling the serenity around them.

"Are you hurt that I didn't show you the journal?"

He opened his eyes at her voice and saw her watching him. With his knuckle, he caressed her cheek. "You don't know me if you think that." Eilidh snorted. "Boys are unpredictable. Not my fault," she said. Finn chuckled in response and tapped her journal. "I won't lie. I am curious, but if you are not comfortable showing it, then it's fine." He put an arm around her waist and placed his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling her presence which warmed him. Eilidh's cheek touched his, and she got up, depriving him of her presence.

"Eilidh, what-"

She sat up, picking her purse from the ground and stuffing everything inside. Finn sat up straighter.

"Are you-"

"I am going to sketch you." She tore a paper from her journal and took a pencil, sharpening it. Finn stared at her in confusion.

"Sketch me? I don't-"

"Finn, honestly, I feel bad about not showing the book." She waved the book in the air. "But, I can give you a preview, right?"

"You don't have to do it. I am completely fine with it."

He caught her hand and kissed the inside of her wrist. "Don't beat up yourself for it."

She moved forward, placing her knees beside his hips. "Dear Finn, let me have the honor to sketch this beautiful face." Her fingers ran along the contours of his features. Finn watched as she looked mesmerized, her eyes on his face and his eyes on hers.

There was still plenty to be said between them, to know each other. As the time passed, Finn liked Eilidh more each day, his heart giving her more place every moment.

"Fine. Have the honor, sweetheart."

***