Beauty is the Beast (14)

                                    

                                          
I woke up this morning tired, but still buzzing from the night before. I can say without a doubt that I still prefer painting over singing, but I can totally understand the adrenaline rush it gives you.

                          
I make breakfast for the boys, leaving it in the oven to stay warm, and collapse on the sofa, intent on having a day of doing a whole lot of nothing. I don't even bother changing out of my pyjamas. All I want to do today is snuggle on the sofa and watch Disney movies.
                          
Zayn arrives downstairs just as The Princess and the Frog is starting, and he brings his plate over and sits down next to me, accepting half of the blanket I've got thrown over myself.
                          
"One of those days, is it?" He asks and I smile at him.
                          
"Yeah."
                          
We sit in comfortable silence, him leaning in to give me a cuddle when he's finished eating, both of us focused on the movie. 
                          
I've always loved this movie. I love watching Tiana work so hard for everything she wants, but also learn how to accept change and be more understanding. 
                          
I smile every time Zayn laughs, enjoying the quality time with him. I'm so glad he feels comfortable enough with me to do this. I keep checking on him whenever they're all together as a group, and I can tell that he's a little withdrawn. Moments like this are special.
                          
The rest of the boys stagger downstairs as the movie's ending, grabbing food, coffee and painkillers from the kitchen and collapsing in the living room with us.
                          
"It's a film day today, boys." Zayn says from where he's now laying, his head on my lap.
                          
Harry comes and sits on the other side of me, and I give his hand a small squeeze. Whatever game is going on between us, it's pretty intense, but it's not all about that. He's my friend and I don't want him to feel weird at all.
                          
He smiles at me, and doesn't let go of my hand, and I ignore the funny fluttery feeling in my stomach. 
                          
And so we sit there. All six of us in comfortable silence, as the credits roll on one film, one of my boys on either side of me.
                          
The next film I put on is Hercules, and I can see the boys agree with my choice, their eyes perking up a bit as the intro music plays. I can see Harry mouth along to all the words out the corner of my eye, and I can't help but smile.
                          
"I gather you're a fan of this movie." I ask him quietly.
                          
"I love it." He replies, his eyes never leaving the screen.
                          
I lean into him as Hercules' big solo starts.
                          
"Sing to me." He glances down at me, and I close my eyes. I feel his chest move as he takes a deep breath.
                          
He sings the whole song, quietly. No-one says anything, they're not phased. But I sit there, one hand stroking Zayn's hair, the other still in Harry's hand, and listen to the soft sound of his voice. 
                          
I feel so... comfortable. Like I could drift off into a peaceful sleep. I can feel his chest rumble as he sings, and hear his breaths between each phrase. His voice isn't perfect right now, it's tired from being up late last night, but it's the most beautiful sound I think I've ever heard.
                          
The song ends, and I feel him lean down and kiss my forehead, sending goosebumps across my arms. My mouth breaks into a smile, but I keep my eyes closed, basking in the warmth of this moment.
                          
Inevitably, I have to get up to make lunch, untangling myself from where Zayn might be asleep, and from Harry's side. I can see and hear the telly from the kitchen, so it's not a big deal. I sing along softly as my favourite song begins.