The Daily Adventures of Zash

[Oracle]

Michael's

"It's not possible to be spoiled by a salad. Was there even protein on that thing? And anyways, if YOU get cake, I don't have to feel guilty about créme brûlée."

She looked pleased at that.

"Well it was a very excellent salad."

"Have you heard from the Amazons, or Rose? I think they needed a break from me after our last mission...."

"Not just you..."

Her brow furrowed. Her heart was still heavy about what had happened with Sharon and Alycia. And although she was still on good terms with them nominally, and with Isis, there was still tension between them. And Zizi hated tension. She considered all of them her friends, and hated being on strained terms with any of them.

"Rose and Rae are still on Aerie. Dominique has been living at the Sanctuary, and Sharon has been looking in on her. I've been keeping watch as well, of course. Nothing out of the ordinary's been happening there, though."

She smiled.

"Have you visited with little Jake recently?"

 

[Orion]

Michael's -- Midtown

Zach asked about the Amazons, and Rose, neither of which he'd heard from recently. He supposed they needed a break from him following the last mission, which had put them quite at odds with him.

Zizi: Not just you...

She said, and he could sense she was as troubled by the outcome as he was.

"I wish I could've done more to help, Ziz, I really do. I feel bad for Rose, but the way things went down.... I did my best. I should've sensed something was wrong with her a lot sooner, but sometimes I wonder if Sharon and Alycia would have been receptive to my input even if I HAD realized what was really bothering Rose. I mean, they were just all so upset with me right from the beginning."

It had been difficult for him, for personal reasons, but he still felt guilty about letting them down. He hadn't been able to help Rose after the bus incident, he hadn't been able to set foot inside the orphanage. There had just been too much grief, too much guilt, too much pain for him as an empath. He had his limitations, and he was ashamed to discover that. Still, he should've known to send some kind of help in, when he couldn't go. He'd just assumed Rose would have some grief counselor on call for something like that.

Zizi: Rose and Rae are still on Aerie.

"Well, I hope she's recovering alright."

Rose had tried to kill him and Ashley, but then she hadn't been in her right mind exactly, and also there was the whole Unloved entity egging her on, so Zach was making an effort not to hold the attempted murder thing against her. He had the same approach to the Ava/Persephone ordeal, which probably wasn't exactly in his best interest, but he usually gave people the benefit of the doubt when it came to such unusually extenuating circumstances. Hopefully he wouldn't come to regret it, but he had the tendency to be understanding of the plight of others, given that he could feel what they felt.

Zizi: Dominique has been living at the Sanctuary, and Sharon has been looking in on her. I've been keeping watch as well, of course. Nothing out of the ordinary's been happening there, though.

"Oh, good. I'm glad Hellfire seems to have realized that we're going to guard that place like the White House."

Zizi: Have you visited with little Jake recently?

Zach smiled warmly at Zizi's mention of Jake, and thanked the server when the desserts were served.

"Well, I went to visit him after the courthouse incident, yes. And then I've kept phone contact with him since then, every few days or so. He's doing better. He's got a birthday coming up! I'm hoping I'll be able to take him for a day trip down to D.C., to visit the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. He'd truly love it."

He dipped a dessert spoon into his custard eagerly.

 

[Oracle]

Michael's

The conversation moved to what had happened with Rose and Sharon and Alycia.

"I wish I could've done more to help, Ziz, I really do. I feel bad for Rose, but the way things went down.... I did my best. I should've sensed something was wrong with her a lot sooner, but sometimes I wonder if Sharon and Alycia would have been receptive to my input even if I HAD realized what was really bothering Rose. I mean, they were just all so upset with me right from the beginning."

"I don't think there's anything any of us could have done, for someone we barely knew. I am sorry about how you were treated, though."

She paused.

"Have you thought about how your engagement is going to be received?"

He obviously shouldn't let other people's reactions dictate his life, but it was out there. And was something he and Ashley were going to have to deal with. Unhappy as it was.

Their desserts came, and Zizi's cake was a monstrosity. She grinned happily.

"This looks wonderful."

She asked Zach about Jake.

"Well, I went to visit him after the courthouse incident, yes. And then I've kept phone contact with him since then, every few days or so. He's doing better. He's got a birthday coming up! I'm hoping I'll be able to take him for a day trip down to D.C., to visit the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. He'd truly love it."

"I know someone who works at the Smithsonian. I bet she could get him a behind the scenes tour."

She took a bite of cake, her eyes going heavenward and her mouth making yummy noises.

"How has Ashley taken to Jake?"

 

[Orion]

Michael's -- Midtown

Zizi: I don't think there's anything any of us could have done, for someone we barely knew. I am sorry about how you were treated, though.

Zach reached across the table and put his hand on Zizi's forearm, his turn to share a little gratitude, even if his smile was a bit weak.

"Thanks sweetheart. That was quite unpleasant, but I wasn't the only target. Hopefully we can all improve our diplomacy skills in the future. We need to be able to work together if we want to make the world a better place -- but I think I might be preaching to the choir, eh?"

Zizi: Have you thought about how your engagement is going to be received?

Zach glanced down at his lap, and took a moment to rearrange the linen in his lap. It was a jagged little pill to swallow. He cleared his throat.

"Not well, by some, I imagine. Likely we'll face some backlash, and further criticism. I can't dictate how people should feel about such life-altering news. We'll deal with it together, at any rate. And I'm sure there will be plenty of thrilled advocates. Supporters will get front row seats at the wedding."

He remarked as he looked back up at her and smiled softly. Dessert was served, and Zach was pleased to see that Zizi was very enthusiastic about hers. He deeply enjoyed making people happy. Talk turned to Jake, and Zach mentioned possible birthday field trip ideas.

Zizi: I know someone who works at the Smithsonian. I bet she could get him a behind the scenes tour.

Zach's eyebrows lifted in surprise and excitement.

"That's awesome! I'll let you know when I've got the plans hammered down. Oh, he's going to be ecstatic!"

He said, digging into his dessert.

Zizi: How has Ashley taken to Jake?

He smiled at the thought.

"Cautiously. And for the record, he'd already learned those curse words from the teenagers at the Sanctuary."

He had a little more of his crème brûlée, and then added:

"I think she just interacts with him to humor me. I told her she didn't have to, but I DO enjoy her around, and Jake does too. It always used to be just him and me before, though, so I don't want her to feel obligated."

 

[Oracle]

Michael's

"Thanks sweetheart. That was quite unpleasant, but I wasn't the only target. Hopefully we can all improve our diplomacy skills in the future. We need to be able to work together if we want to make the world a better place -- but I think I might be preaching to the choir, eh?"

"I think you're preaching to the preacher."

She chuckled, before turning serious again to ask whether Zach had considered how news of his engagement would be received. She could tell it bothered him.

"Not well, by some, I imagine. Likely we'll face some backlash, and further criticism. I can't dictate how people should feel about such life-altering news. We'll deal with it together, at any rate. And I'm sure there will be plenty of thrilled advocates. Supporters will get front row seats at the wedding."

She returned his soft smile.

"Just...don't isolate yourselves. Okay? We'll help you through it, as best we can anyway."

Dessert came, and the conversation shifted to Zach's young friend Jake, and Zach's plans to take him to the Smithsonian. She asked him how Ashley had taken to Jake.

"Cautiously. And for the record, he'd already learned those curse words from the teenagers at the Sanctuary.

Zizi smiled, almost choking on her cake.

"I think she just interacts with him to humor me. I told her she didn't have to, but I DO enjoy her around, and Jake does too. It always used to be just him and me before, though, so I don't want her to feel obligated."

"Well, I'm sure she's trying, for you. But don't forget, it took her twelve hundred years to care about someone again. So give her some time. Rome wasn't built in a day."

 

[Orion]

Michael's -- Midtown

They were discussing a slightly sobering topic, the expected reception of engagement news by their close friends and allies. Zach fully acknowledged that there would be some people who'd be displeased. Certainly his ex-fiance would have something to say, and he doubted it would be I'm happy for you. And then there were others, who'd been quite vocal about their not-so-supportive opinions on Zach even starting this relationship with Ash. It was saddening that he had long-time friends who hated -- really hated -- Ashley.

Zizi: Just...don't isolate yourselves. Okay? We'll help you through it, as best we can anyway.

"Thanks, Zizi. We'll need all the help we can get."

He said, but his tone was humorous. On the subject of Jake, things were lighter. Zach had been keeping up with him, and mentioned birthday plans, which Zizi kindly offered to improve on, much to Zach's delight. Then she asked how Ashley was doing with the kid, and Zach assured Zizi that Jake already knew those curse words, as he finished up his dessert. He admitted that he thought Ash might only be putting up with Jake for Zach's sake.

Zizi: Well, I'm sure she's trying, for you. But don't forget, it took her twelve hundred years to care about someone again. So give her some time. Rome wasn't built in a day.

"True. And I've been involved in Jake's life since he was a baby, he's something of a surrogate son to me, so it's natural to me by now. I just don't want her to do something that makes her uncomfortable -- or bored -- just because of me."

He said, putting cash in the check presenter when it was delivered and leaning back in his seat.

"So I've got one more errand, just need to stop by Sally's a get a rush order on a tux for tonight. I'd welcome you to tag along, but I suspect you might be traumatized by the fitting process, so perhaps it'd be better to drop you off at the Clocktower instead."

He warned jokingly.

 

[Oracle]

Michael's

Zizi tried to split the check with Zach when it came, but he wouldn't think of it, so she thanked him again for lunch.

"So I've got one more errand, just need to stop by Sally's a get a rush order on a tux for tonight. I'd welcome you to tag along, but I suspect you might be traumatized by the fitting process, so perhaps it'd be better to drop you off at the Clocktower instead."

"That would be lovely, thank you. But if it puts you too much out of your way, I can catch a cab?"

But Zach, ever the gentleman, insisted on dropping her off, so once again they got into the Ferrari, Zizi's chair in the trunk, and zoomed downtown. Once she was back in her chair in front of the Clocktower, she assured Zach that she would be able to see herself back upstairs. He needed to get moving, if he was going to have everything ready before Ashley got home. Zizi felt a little bad for accepting lunch and using up that time.

She thought about Zach & Ashley as she rode the elevator up to the top floor. It was still strange to her that they were potentially getting married, but it warmed her heart that they knew they wanted to be together just the same. But she had to laugh to herself: she could not imagine Ashley in a wedding dress. But she hoped they would be happy together.

She set her purse down as she rolled into the apartment. It was very quiet with seemingly everyone off doing other things - the Clocktower had never seemed so empty as it did now. She wheeled into the kitchen, deciding that the situation called for a batch of Ashley and Zach's favorite cookies that she could send to them tomorrow in congratulations.

 

[Orion]

Midtown

Zizi, who was always considerate of others, offered both to split the tab, and take a cab home, and Zach of course refused to allow either of those things to happen, though her thanked her for being so thoughtful. So wouldn't let him escort her upstairs, however, and when he checked his watch he realized she was quite right in pointing out the fact that he was a bit pressed for time. So after one more profuse thank you, he headed to the Parthenon to stop in and see Sally. Blaze must have had the day off, because some girl Zach didn't recognize welcomed him in and offered him a drink, which he politely declined.

Sally: My darling little Zachy!

Zach gave her a winsome smile and a kiss on the cheek as he greeted her. She always called him that, but he didn't take offense, because she ALSO always noted later how much extra room he needed in the front rise of his trousers (usually she did so quite loudly, too). He knew the drill here, and didn't delay stripping down to his underwear as he told Sally he needed a rush-order tuxedo.

She nodded and began taking his measurements almost right away, calling the numbers out to her assistant, flirtatiously remarking that he must still be working out, and 'accidentally' grazing his most ticklish spots, which she found just as amusing as ever. He was a good sport about it all, because he was well accustomed to Sally's methods by now. Still, she created the best suits, hands down. They were worth getting mildly molested. She asked him for his preferences as she pulled the tape around his chest.

"No tails, just a nice sharp dinner jacket. And maybe some color this time?"

Sally: I think I'll do something to bring out those beautiful eyes of yours, my dear. Peaked lapel?

"I think I'd rather have a shawl collar this time. And how about single-breasted, single button?"

Sally: What a lady-killer you'll be, I can see it already, handsome! And I know how much attention you usually pay to the interior details, so will it be a quick and easy cummer, or would you like a nice deep V?

She asked, reaching around to measure his waist, and then his hips.

I swear she phrased it that way on purpose.

He thought, and tried to keep a straight face. Even her assistant was smirking.

"Actually, I need it delivered by 5, so--"

Sally: So ain't NOBODY got time for a waistcoat! You're lucky I perform miracles for my favorite clients!

"I do appreciate it, Sally. I knew I could count on you for a last minute, Hail Mary saeeeeve!"

He replied, with a weird syllable at the end, and he nearly jumped, because when she measured his inseam, her hand went a lot higher inside his leg than he expected. Sally smirked mercilessly, and gave him a sassy response as she moved her tape to the next spot.

Sally: Mmmhmm. I should start charging you for all this extra zipper you always need, Zachary.

She teased, and soon after that, she was done with the measuring tape, and Zach could relax again. He pulled his clothes back on as they settled the final details.

"For the shirt: pleated, no studs."

Sally: You're stud enough, isn't that right?

"You flatter me. And can I have French cuffs, with some nice platinum links?"

Sally: Anything for my darling little Zachy. Satin besom and stipes?

"You know me all too well."

Zach had his credit card and signature already on account with her, so that simplified the outgoing process a lot. Back in his Ferrari, he was finally finished with all the arrangements and headed back to his apartment. He shot a text out while he was sitting at a red light just a few blocks from home.

To Steele>> All clear, Chief.
To Steele>>With many thanks!

 

[Valkyrie]

Queens

Ashley sat in the passenger seat of the SUV, her feet up on the dash. She reached down to change the radio station, and Steel slapped her hand away.

John: "Driver picks the music."

"But you never let me drive."

Ashley sulked.

"After I come all this way to help you, it's the least you could do."

John: "You nearly got us killed."

"THAT is an exaggeration."

Steel scoffed.

"Besides, YOU're the one who pulled me away from a perfectly wonderful day being naked with my boyfriend."

John: "I so do not want to hear this."

"Come on, we've talked about girls before."

John: "Not girls we work with."

"Yeah, you really missed the boat on Zizi."

He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye.

John: "That is not the kind of relationship we have."

"Come on, there must be somebody you're banging. Or want to bang."

John: "Not everyone spends their life shagging, Ashley."

She shrugged.

John: "Speaking of which, you're practically living at Zach's these days."

"Yeah, well, it's convenient."

John: "Maybe still check in at the Clocktower every once in a while, eh?"

"I will, jeeze. Get off my back."

She looked out the window.

"I just don't like being away from Zach. Especially now."

John: "Well, I'm just saying, don't forget there's more to the world than Zach's apartment."

"Yeah, well...why step out into the street if you're just going to get shit on."

Steel pulled over in front of EOS Nomad. He turned to look at her.

"There are others here who care about you, not just Zach."

Ashley opened the car door, rolling her eyes.

"Yeah, yeah, you missed the boat on me too big guy."

She stepped out of the car, but looked back and smiled before closing the door. She waved to the doorman as she stepped inside the building and headed into the elevator. Arriving on Zach's floor, she got out the key he'd given her and opened the door.

"Zach?"

She called as she stepped into the apartment.

 

[Orion]

Eos Nomad

Zach parked, as usual, in the underground garage at Nomad. He pocketed the Tiffany box, but left the tell-tale bag in the trunk. then he grabbed all the rest of the bags and headed upstairs. All was quiet when he got inside.

"Ash?"

He called, cautious for any surprises, but she wasn't here yet, which was good, because he needed a chance to hide the ring until later. In the master suite, he set the bags on the chest at the foot of the bed, gathered up all the pizza boxes and took them into the kitchen. Forgot about those earlier, in his excitement. He started transferring all the leftovers into ziplock bags when he heard the key in the door.

Oh Fuck!

He had an empty ziplock bag in one hand, but he plain forgot about that, because the ring was still in his pocket. He dashed into the bedroom, caroming around frantically for a place to hide it. Everything he came up with on short notice seemed like a bad idea.

Ashley: Zach?

OH FUCK!

He darted into the bathroom, quickly shut the door, and turned on the faucet as if he was washing his hands. That should buy him some time, even if it reduced his options. Now where in here would she probably never have cause to look, even if she was looking for something else?

THERE!

It didn't take long to secure it. He took a deep breath and tried to relax before coming out of the bathroom. Ash was already in the bedroom, and she'd spotted the Bergdorf bags at the foot of the bed. Well, he could work with that, if she got curious.

"Oh hey babe. Welcome back. How was work?"

 

[Valkyrie]

EOS Nomad

She was surprised when Zach didn't immediately appear. She moved through the apartment, smiling as she went into the bedroom, thinking he was still in bed. But no Zach. Her brow furrowed. Then she heard the water running in the bathroom.

"Zach! I'm back!"

Zach had gone shopping. She blew the air out of her lungs in a relieved sigh. That meant she didn't have to go with him. John was a lifesaver. Although, she could have made him try on stuff for her in the changing room...which meant he'd have to take them off again... Damn you, John!

Zach came out of the bathroom.

"Oh hey babe. Welcome back. How was work?"

She turned away from the bags to look at him, and she rolled her eyes.

"Oh, you know...same old, same old."

She glanced down at herself and noticed a red stain on her white t shirt.

"Oh fuck. That scumbag got blood on me."

She pulled the shirt up over her head and tossed it to the floor, sighing loudly.

"Figures."

The look on her face was clearly perturbed, but then she looked at Zach. She smiled, and walked over to him, slipping her arms around his neck.

"I missed you though."

 

[Orion]

Eos Nomad

Ash: Zach! I'm back!

He shut the water off, calmed himself back down, and pulled the door open, sticking his head out of the bathroom, 'drying' his hands on the towel hanging on the rack.

"Oh hey babe. Welcome back. How was work?"

He said smoothly, drawing her attention away from the shopping bags. She didn't ask about the purchases, and instead rolled her eyes at his question.

Ash: Oh, you know...same old, same old. Oh fuck. That scumbag got blood on me. Figures.

She pulled her shirt off, and he was immediately at her mercy, yet again. Truthfully though, he liked it that way. He smiled and held his arms out for her, ready and willing to melt away her frustration.

"Heh, I love the way you say 'fuck'."

She smiled too, and wrapped her arms around his neck. He hugged her tightly, burying his face in her hair, breathing the scent of her in, as if it had been several years since he had seen her, and not just several hours.

Ash: I missed you though.

"I missed you too."

He said, pulling back a bit to find her gaze. He was so excited, he wanted to tell her everything he'd been up to. He wanted to run back in the bathroom, get the ring, and show her now. He made a deal with himself.

You can tell her about dinner -- and save the rest.

"I made plans for tonight."

 

[Valkyrie]

EOS Nomad

"Heh, I love the way you say 'fuck'."

"Well then I have a few other words you'll really like."

She put her arms around his neck and he pulled her into a hug. She rested her head on his shoulder, her arms sliding over his shoulders, just enjoying feeling his arms around her. She could stay just like that forever. It was like all the annoyance and tension in her body just melted away. She told him she had missed him.

"I missed you too."

He pulled back to look at her, and she made sure to give him an extra sultry look back.

"I thought maybe you'd still be in bed..."

She waggled her eyebrows at him.

"I made plans for tonight."

"Oh yeah? Let me guess: Chinese. No. Thai? Ooh diner take out?"

She looked up into his face wide eyed, waiting to see what kind of food they were ordering in for the evening, happy to have a quiet evening just the two of them.

 

[Orion]

Eos Nomad

Ash: I thought maybe you'd still be in bed...

"Nah, it feels empty without you there..."

He admitted, then he saw the look she was giving him, and the way her eyebrows danced suggestively.

"Although now that you're back..... we could certainly return to bed at any moment you please."

He offered, as a smirk crept onto his lips. After all, they did still have plenty of time before they needed to get ready for dinner. He was too excited to contain all the surprises, though. He decided to tell her a little bit, just to relieve a small bit of the pressure of secret keeping. He told her that he'd made plans for them tonight.

Ash: Oh yeah? Let me guess: Chinese.

He shook his head, staring down at her, enjoying her attempts to predict what he'd come up with.

Ash: No. Thai?

He continued to slowly shake his head back and forth. Nope, his growing smile said.

Ash: Ooh diner take out?

She'll never guess.

They'd always stayed in, and gotten food delivered. They must've tried every takeout place within a ten block radius by now. It was all the more reason to do this tonight, to treat her to something extraordinary.

His fingertips traced patterns on the bare skin of her back.

"We will be having the best steak in the city. I'm taking you out on the town, my love."

His smile stretched from ear to ear, his enthusiasm spreading from his touch unintentionally.

"Also, remember how you said you'd dress however I wanted? I bought you something to wear tonight."

 

[Valkyrie]

EOS Nomad

She stood there with her arms around Zach, giving him her best bedroom eyes, telling him she had thought he'd still be in bed when she got back.

"Nah, it feels empty without you there..."

That made her smile broadly, though she was still trying to give him the eye.

"Although now that you're back...we could certainly return to bed at any moment you please."

"Well, then..."

She leaned in and kissed his neck before meeting his eyes again and grinning.

"How about...now?"

Zach seemed a bundle of nervous energy, and she knew exactly what to do with it. But instead of him attacking her and throwing her back onto the bed, he told her he had made plans for dinner. She tried to guess what kind of take out they would have, but he kept shaking his head no. It must be something new, then. She loved the way he was always looking for ways to surprise her.

She could feel his fingertips on her back, making her incredibly excited, and she was about to yell at him to tell her so they could move on to better things. But then he did tell her.

"We will be having the best steak in the city. I'm taking you out on the town, my love."

Mmm, she loved steak.

"Mmm I love steak. Just let me find a clean shirt and we can go..."

"Also, remember how you said you'd dress however I wanted? I bought you something to wear tonight."

"Oh yeah? Is it kinky?"

She pressed her body against his seductively. He indicated the shopping bags on the chest at the end of the bed. She looked at them and then back at him. She tilted her head.

"Aw, Zach, you shopped for me."

She reached her hand down into the bag, and pulled out what was inside.

"It's a...dress."

She turned so she could take it further out of the bag.

"It's beautiful."

It was a long black gown with beads sewn into it so that it shimmered. She didn't usually get dressed up, but she had told him she would wear whatever he wanted her to, and if this was what he wanted, well, then, she'd have to go for it. She turned back to look at Zach, raising one eyebrow.

"Are we going out somewhere fancy, then?"

Most of the time they just ordered in. She wondered why all of sudden he wanted to go out. Maybe he was getting bored.

"Because you don't have to take me out to get me to wear this. I could put it on, and then you could take it off..."

 

[Orion]

Eos Nomad

He offered that they could go back to bed whenever she wanted to, and she answered that by kissing his neck, and suggesting that right about now would be good. He smiled wickedly, and started to tell her about their dinner plans. Better tell her now and get her excited to go, or they'd never leave the bedroom tonight.

Ash told him that she loved steak. Excellent. She told him she'd find a clean shirt and they could go, but he told her he'd already picked something up for her to wear. When she pressed against him and asked if was kinky, he nearly dragged her into bed and derailed the whole thing. He gestured to the shopping bags instead, despite the throbbing that had begun down low, excited to show her some of what he'd gotten her while he could still manage cognitive thought.

Ash: Aw, Zach, you shopped for me. It's a...dress. It's beautiful.

He let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. Good, she likes it.

"Yes, it's very nice, but still, I'm sure you'll improve it immensely."

He dug around in another bag, for a moment.

"And these jimmy shoes go with it."

Ash: Are we going out somewhere fancy, then?

"Quite fancy, yes. I'm just waiting on my tux to be delivered, and then we'll be good to go."

Ash: Because you don't have to take me out to get me to wear this. I could put it on, and then you could take it off...

He dropped the heels on the floor, fixing her with a lusty gaze as he imagined the dress on her. He was concerned if he took it off he might tear it in his haste to have her. When did his pants get so small and tight in the front? He gently pulled the dress from her hands, and laid it out on the bed carefully.

"Once you put this dress on.... it won't be coming off again until after dinner."

He told her firmly, knowing that would be a challenge of the highest order. Just the thought of making himself keep his hands off her for a couple of hours made him want her more. He took her hand in his and led her away from the bed, towards the bathroom, a dirty smirk on his lips.

"So why don't we start getting cleaned up?"

He suggested, pulling her into the master bathroom. So close to the big secret, but he never looked in the direction of his hiding place. His eyes were locked on her, as he stopped just outside the shower, and started it up. Then he reached for her again, and helped her out of the clothes she was wearing, then into the shower. He was out of his own clothes as soon as the water hit her skin.

 

[Valkyrie]

EOS Nomad

Zach must have wanted to see her in a dress, because he had bought her one to wear to dinner. And he seemed very excited about it. She didn't really care if they went out - she preferred being able to cut dinner short and go to bed if the mood struck them. But if it made Zach happy then it was worth it.

"And these jimmy shoes go with it."

"Oh, is that what they're called?"

Must be something with the kind of heel maybe? These ones were square, and the fabric was black and shiny. She asked if they were going out somewhere fancy.

"Quite fancy, yes. I'm just waiting on my tux to be delivered, and then we'll be good to go."

A tux? This really seemed like overkill to her. She assured Zach he didn't need to take her out if he wanted to see her in a dress.

"Once you put this dress on...it won't be coming off again until after dinner."

She looked at him skeptically as he laid the dress carefully on the bed.

"I'm not sure that's possible, babe."

He took her hand, and was leading her away from the bed, which made her even more confused than she was already about what was going on with Zach.

"So why don't we start getting cleaned up?"

"We?" she said with a smirk. When would she learn to just trust Zach, because he always had a plan. He pulled her into the bathroom and turned on the water in the shower. Her hands smoothed over his chest.

"Good thing you have a big shower."

She kicked off her shoes while his hands went to the waist of her jeans, undoing the button and unzipping them, then pushing them over her hips. She kicked them off as well, turning her back to him and tilting her neck the way he liked. She sighed as he removed her bra and panties, then helped her into the shower. She let the water run over her, turning to face Zach, who was already out of his own clothes and stepping into the shower. She pulled him towards her, her mouth finding his in a kiss filled with longing.

She ran her hands over his slick back, pressing herself against him. She pulled back from her kiss to press her lips to his cheeks, his forehead, his eyelids, and then his mouth once more. Her hands slid down to his ass, gripping him tight.

"I want you."

 

[Orion]

Eos Nomad

Ash: We?

She asked, when he suggested they get cleaned up. He smirked back at her as he undressed her, removing her clothes piece by piece. He was so hard for her already, anticipating what was about to happen, his head filled with thoughts of his hands on her, spreading the soap across her skin, feeling the building need, until they were both desperate, overcome by it.

Ash: Good thing you have a big shower.

"That's not the only big thing I have for you."

He replied lustily, as she moved under the shower head. Zach watched the water run down the back of her body as he pulled his shirt over his head and kicked his pants off as if they were on fire. He was in the shower with her just in time for her hair to be soaked. He reached for the bottle of her shampoo, as she pulled him into a kiss that redirected his focus. And then her hands were on his back, her lips on his face, her breasts on his chest. The desperate need was already there in her touch.

Ash: I want you.

She said, grabbing his ass and pulling their bodies together even closer. It was beyond obvious that he wanted her too.

"Then you'll have me."

He said, as he effortlessly lifted her up by her waist, kissing her zealously. Her legs wrapped around him as if by instinct, and here they were again, on the verge of falling off the edge of desire with each other. Zach moved his hands down to cup her ass, his forearms along her thighs to support her weight. His lips left hers, to kiss her throat, or to lick the water from her breasts as it splashed and streamed down their bodies, or to find some other place he could reach, just to taste her. Then he lifted his head, and his gaze traveled up her form to find her eyes.

"I thought about you all day."

He said, lowering her hips down onto him, groaning with pleasure as he smoothly entered her.

"Gods, Ash..."

 

[Valkyrie]

EOS Nomad

He led her to the shower, undressing her. She said it was a good thing he had a big shower, and he answered just as she'd hoped he would.

"That's not the only big thing I have for you."

He was right behind her entering the shower, and she had no care at all for washing, just wanting her arms around him and his around her. She kissed him, his mouth and then everywhere else she could. She told him she wanted him, but it was apparent in everything about her that she did. And she could feel how much he wanted her, which only fueled her desire for him.

"Then you'll have me."

He lifted her up, and she smiled into his kiss, wrapping her legs around him. His hands were on her ass as he held her, and having his hands that close to her sensitive areas made her shiver with anticipation. Anticipation turned to pure arousal as his mouth found her throat and chest. She clutched at him, one hand pulling his head against her body. But it was what he said that pushed her almost to the brink.

"I thought about you all day."

"You're all I ever want to think about."

And then he was sliding inside her, and she gasped, her eyes closing as she let out an involuntarily sound like a strangled squeal.

"Gods, Ash..."

"Zach...oh...fuck..."

He was so hard and felt so good inside her, and they had only just begun.

"Babe...babe..."

Her hands were on his shoulders, pushing herself up while he lifted her against him.

"Fuck me, Zach...push me up against the wall and fuck me..."

 

[Orion]

Eos Nomad

Ash: You're all I ever want to think about.

She replied, when he told he'd thought about her all day. He brought them together again, and the noise of pleasure she made drew a smile across his lips.

"Gods, Ash..."

He groaned, because she felt so good on him. He lifted her weight easily, and brought her back down, as he kissed her again emphatically when her mouth neared his, pressing into her mouth with his tongue.

Ash: Zach...oh...fuck... Babe...babe...

She said, when their kiss broke away. He smirked at her when she said 'fuck', the aggressive pronunciation as it left her tongue, the way he so enjoyed hearing it. Her hands were pushing down on his shoulders, helping him move her, trying to go faster. He was on a hair-trigger now, the verge of losing himself in her passion. He thought he sensed that she wanted more, and then she confirmed it.

Ash: Fuck me, Zach...push me up against the wall and fuck me...

His only answer was a growl of desire. He was not capable of denying her anything, and she about made him come right away with that request, but he used the outlet of aggression to manage himself, grabbing the back of her head with his hand as his mouth clamped down on hers, greedily. They crashed against the wall behind her, and he rocked her forcefully with his hips.

"Louder," he demanded with a dark smile, "I can barely hear you."