Zara stepped into her room, her body relaxed but her mind still buzzing with the memory of Xavier's unshakable presence in the living room. Shaking her head with a small laugh, she opened her wardrobe and pulled out her favorite three-piece pajama set.
The set was as cozy as it was stylish—a gray fuzzy cardigan with long sleeves and an open front, paired with a snug, white fuzzy crop top and high-waisted gray fuzzy shorts that tied securely with a drawstring. The soft material felt like a warm hug as she slipped into the ensemble, the ultimate combination of comfort and charm.
After a quick trip to the bathroom to freshen up, Zara climbed into bed, pulling the plush duvet over her. Apollo curled up at her feet, his tail wagging lazily before he drifted off.
"Good night, Apollo," she murmured, her hand brushing over his fur. Her eyelids grew heavy, and soon, the soft rhythm of her breathing filled the room.
Zara woke to the gentle morning light filtering through her curtains. Stretching lazily, she sat up and tied her hair into a messy bun. Her mood was light and carefree as she brushed her teeth, the morning already promising fun.
By the time she made it to the living room, her oversized fuzzy cardigan draped loosely over her shoulders, the space was empty. Xavier, it seemed, had vanished into his own routines. Shrugging, Zara made her way to the fridge, grabbing a cold drink before plopping onto the couch.
The TV flickered to life, but Zara wasn't in the mood for mindless shows. Instead, an idea struck her. It had been ages since she indulged in karaoke—one of her guilty pleasures. Her fingers danced over her phone as she pulled up her Billie Eilish playlist.
The familiar, haunting notes of Ocean Eyes filled the room as Zara stood up, holding an invisible microphone. Her voice rang out—loud, dramatic, and purposefully terrible. She belted the lyrics with wild abandon, swaying theatrically as if performing for a packed audience.
Apollo, always eager to join the fun, threw his head back and howled in time with the music. Zara burst into laughter mid-line, but she didn't stop. From Chihiro to Lovely and Birds of a Feather, she poured every ounce of her over-the-top energy into the songs.
By the time What Was I Made For? began, Zara had cranked her antics to maximum. She dropped to her knees on a particularly heartfelt note, her voice cracking for dramatic effect. Apollo barked enthusiastically, clearly her biggest fan.
The door to Xavier's room creaked open, and Zara froze mid-lyric, still kneeling with one hand clutching her invisible microphone.
Xavier stood in the doorway, shirtless, his sweatpants hanging low on his hips. His disheveled hair hinted at someone who had just rolled out of bed, but his face was pure irritation.
"Are you serious right now?" he asked, his voice gravelly with sleep.
Zara grinned sheepishly, pushing herself up from the floor. "Morning, sunshine! Care to join in?" She extended a hand toward him dramatically.
Xavier rubbed his face with one hand, clearly debating whether to retreat or retaliate. "Do you have to sound like a dying cat first thing in the morning?"
Zara gasped, feigning offense. "Excuse me! This is raw talent you're hearing. Some of us were born for the stage."
Apollo barked in agreement, wagging his tail as he stared up at Xavier.
Xavier sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I was trying to get some sleep."
"Sleep?" Zara scoffed. "Who needs sleep when you've got the sultry sounds of Billie Eilish? Come on, Xavier, loosen up a little!"
Xavier stepped closer, his dark gaze locking on hers. "If you don't turn that off," he said slowly, his tone dangerously calm, "I might just throw your speaker out the window."
Zara laughed, unfazed by his threat. "You're no fun," she teased, skipping to the couch and plopping down. "Fine. I'll keep it down. For now."
Xavier grabbed the remote and turned the music off entirely, earning a playful pout from Zara.
"You owe me an apology for ruining my concert," she said, crossing her arms.
He arched a brow, leaning against the couch as he looked down at her. "You should be apologizing to me for the trauma my ears just endured."
Zara smirked, grabbing her drink from the coffee table. "You'll live," she replied before taking a sip.
Xavier shook his head, retreating toward the kitchen. "Barely," he muttered under his breath, though Zara caught the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips.
The playful banter was a familiar dance, and as Zara sat back, Apollo resting his head on her lap, she couldn't help but feel that mornings like this were some of her favorites—chaotic, loud, and undeniably her.