If Time Stands Still

26- under the weather

Aylin's POV

Since Zayn's family left yesterday, his long weekend finally came to an end as he had to get back to work. Though I understand it requires him to be hands-on all day, he hasn't sent me a single text this morning nor in my lunch break as he usually does. I'm definitely not one to complain since I'm guilty of not checking my phone enough and I'm prone to jumping to conclusions, but something just didn't feel right.

I then decided to stop by after work to check on him, thinking that he might be a bit homesick since his family left. To both of our surprise, my guess was correct. When I arrived at his apartment, the original plan was to merely pay him a quick visit as I came empty handed, but of course, here we are an hour later, cuddled up on the sofa while watching Ant-Man on his projector. I obviously didn't mind since another reason why I stopped by is because I missed him already, as cheesy as it sounds.

"You know, I really hate that Scott is so underrated." Zayn speaks up from behind me, hand brushing over my hip as he reaches for the popcorn, "So are the movies."

"Yeah, I haven't even bothered watching them. Seemed irrelevant to the rest."

"Whoa! Okay, no." He scoffs, "Let's not push it now, babe."

I chuckle, "Well I'm glad I'm watching it now. It's a cool movie."

"Mhm." He hums, caressing the outer side of my bare thigh before pressing a kiss to my damp hair.

Unfortunately for me, visitor parking spots have no coverage which resulted in me getting pelted by the storm while making a run for it. After removing my shoes and socks, I stripped off my coat and stockings, leaving me in my blouse and underwear. Zayn then passed me several T-shirts and hoodies to try on, but I'm convinced it was just to show off the prints on each. Two shirts I distinctly remember was the black one that read Kinda Hungry, Kinda Horny, Kinda Tired, Kinda Wanna Get A Tattoo and the blue one which had I Cuddle On The First Date on the front. It was funny to me since they're so different, yet both so Zayn.

In the end, I opted for one of his longer hoodies to throw over my blouse and no pants since he insisted that the blanket feels comfier when you're pants-less. Honestly, I think that was just an excuse to have me somewhat undressed since he's still in comfy sweats.

I relax against his warm body, feeding him popcorn every few minutes until the bowl is completely empty, "Your apartment's so draughty." I bring my knees to my chest under the cozy blanket.

"Yeah, it's that small space under the door. I'll get a carpet for that." He holds me tighter, warming me from the inside out, "All we can rely on is body heat for now."

"Can't complain then." I respond, noticing the warm air visibly leave my mouth. I hate getting cold. I don't know how he's able to deal with it, "Or you know, a heater wouldn't be bad either. I can bring you the portable one." I look over at him, "We don't use it since dad permanently installed them in our rooms."

"I can't just take your heater." He chuckles, "It's okay. I'm good."

"Don't be silly, we don't use it." I assure him, cupping his beautiful face in my palm.

"Do you insist?"

"I do."

"Can't fight you on that." He smiles, "Want me to make some more popcorn? There's still a half hour left of the movie."

"You don't have to." I reach for my glass of cranberry juice. I guess Zayn really likes this flavour, "I'm good." I say after taking a sip.

"Well, I'm still feeling quite peckish." He turns my face and plants a quick kiss to my lips before climbing over my body and off the sofa, "You sure I shouldn't order some food for us? I mean, you said you'd only be here for fifteen minutes, but it's already twenty past seven and... you're still here." He reminds me with a complacent look on his face.