| hearts of stone 12 |
| Walker hesitated at the bottom of the second set of steps. What could he possibly say to this man that was once his little boy? He felt like he didn't even know Zac anymore. He took a deep breath and decided that he needed to speak to him like he would any other man that was going through something so excrutiating as seperation from his love. He'd just talk to him like the man he was. He paused on the top step, the room was still- bed empty. It was deathly quiet. Not like the rest of his house usually was. But Zac wasn't completely quiet. No, he was breathing heavily as he fought back the sobs that threatened to overwhelm him. Walker walked to the windowseat and sat down facing his son. Gently he lay his hand on the fingers clutching tightly to the phone. Red rimmed eyes filled with pain turned from the window to him. He looked into them, hurting him to do so. "I know son... I know..." Was all he said, and it was enough, the both of them knew it. Zac fell into the open arms of his father, the man he'd looked up to all of his life, emulated in every step of his maturity. His father held him, understanding. He understood for he too was a man in love. And that was the beginning of Zac's struggle to live without half of his soul. He wandered the house, a ghost of his personality clinging to a shell of a man. From room to room, phone in hand he roamed. He still couldn't eat, and slept little. nothing brought him joy except her soft voice upon his ear - but still that wasn't enough to quench the burning ache that pierced him. The children were instructed to be tolerant of their brother. 'He isn't himself.' Was the explanation. And he wasn't. He was torn to pieces and scattered like ashes to the wind. He was half a soul without his love. That was why Diana didn't cofront him about finding Moirah's unmentionables in his laundry. She knew she couldn't bear to watch him crumble before her. Still, she spoke to Walker about it in hushed tones, fearing he may have done something he would regret. With reassurance from Isaac, they found out that Moirah herself had spoken to El and confirmed that nothing had happened. It was a relief to them all, but still nothing could soothe the sting of watching Zac suffer in so much pain. Nobody really understood the seperation... except oddly enough, Taylor. He and Isaac had discussed it at great length. Taylor had said it was for love and passion. Love for each other, and passion for their art. All they needed was time to bring the two together. Isaac thought it ironic that Taylor of all people should understand it so well. He had never been in love, and it was he that was so vehemently opposed to the union in the first place... but in the end it all boiled down to understanding life some from intelligence, and knowing passion for art intimately - both concepts of which Tay seemed to possess. The stream of time trickled by slowly for Zac. The wound too gaping for healing to set in. But, like with all things, it did begin. And his healing started with one softly whispered request from hundreds of miles away. "I miss your voice rocking my heart into contentment. I feel so restless with out you." She had begun. "Zac... sing to me?" Her whisper fading into her tear soaked breath. It began soft, slow and shakey, It was a song of longing and rememberance that poured form his soul. The tenderness that sparked as a hum and grew into an acheingly beautiful ballad- for her. It was late and nobody was stirring... except Diana. Something had awoken her, the years of being a mother giving her almost a sixth sense of when her children needed her. Silently she crept down the hall, her bare feet sinking into the carpet. Her long night gown and free flowing long blonde hair making her appear like an abberition of a specter. She pressed her ear to her sons bedroom door, the tears following glistening tracks down her cheeks form their predessors. Her heart was heavy with love for her child. She knew the pain was great, but she also knew having heard his voice carried on song, that the holes punched in his heart for loss of Moirah- were once more filling in, for comfort of Moirah. Now she was quite sure their relationship would be one to last. And in her heart of hearts, she accepted the new daughter that joined the fold. Quietly she tiptoed back to her bed, laying once more beside her husband. "Diana?" He stirred awake. Her cold feet comming into contact with his leg. He turned over, the moonlight catching her face and framing it like a dream for him. "What's the matter? Why are you crying?" He toned worridly. She shook her head, swallowing some of her emotions, enough to talk. "Zac's singing to Moirah over the phone." She needn't say any more. He wrapped his wife up in his strong embrace, letting her cry her tears of relief... and he too silently joined her for a tear or two. He was getting his son back, in small pieces and slowly, but he was getting him back none the less. His relief was as great if not more so. Now he would have the opportunity to get to know his son all over again... this time, as a man. That was how Zac began to lean on his passion, music his crutch to hold him up until the other half of himself was returned. It was his second solace and he imersed himself deeply within it. Delving deeply to root out the drops of life force blood that clung to his soul. Nursing them back to health and nurturing them to grow and thrive. He needed that strength to fight his way out of the pits of hell, and back to Moirah, his love. It loomed, only three weeks away. The tour. Zac was nearly back to his sour self, the him they had all come to know and dislike during the promotions. But at least he was functioning again. They rehearsed endless hours, writing dozens of songs between sessions. It seemed even though Zac himself was in a dark mood, he was a font of beautiful love songs. Not exactly what he was known for, but they weren't about to look a gift horse in the mouth. By the time they boarded the bus - bidding the bulk of their family farewell, they were ready to preform. Though they were all missing somebody, they leaned on each other to get through the loneliness, for the urge was primal, the urge to preform before writheing screaming crowds. It made the blood pump fast, adrenalin running rampant. a natural high like no other. The days passed into weeks and the spirits began to lag a bit as they all began to miss their loved ones. Such was the life of the wandering minstrel. But, unlike the others, Zac wasn't counting the days he'd been on the road. No, he was counting down the days until he would be in the same city as his beloved. It was a torture knowing that he had to wiat util nearly the end of the tour, but he knew it would be so worth it. What he wasn't looking forward to was a stupid awards show they were scheduled to be at. They were nominated for an award, having written the score to some sappy romance movie. It wasn't going to be the highlight of his life, but at least he would be able to see his mother and brother and sisters that they'd left behind at home. That was certainly something to look forward to on one of the days off he had. A real break from the tedious torture of the tour. And it was early yet in the tour... how was he to survive the pain of being seperated from her, the woman he loved, for so much longer? It was his plague, and the cross he bore for the passion of his art. Bone weary, Zac dragged his ass from the bus into the hotel. Even though he was so tired, he was pleased about one thing though, tomarrow he would again see his mother and the rest of his family that they had left behind... and in but a mere few hours he could call Moirah. That thought alone made him grin to himself. "What are you up to butthead?" Tays voice crept up behind him. Zac looked over his shoulder as the two stepped onto the elevator. He shrugged. "Just thinking about seeing Mom and the kids is all." He offered. Tay snickered. "Yeah, right. That's exactly the kind of smile I'd expect to see on your sour puss when you're thinking about Mom." Tay chided, shoving his brothers shoulder as they stepped from the elevator. "I was just thinking about being able to call Moirah soon. Ok with you dildo?" Zac teased back. He was expecting the major razzing that his brother was about to give him for certain. When he didn't, Zac reached ahead and lay a hand of Tay's shoulder, stopping him. Tay turned and looked at the floor before meeting his brothers eyes and seeing the question there. "I just... well, I'm really sorry for all the shit before you know? And I'm glad you and Moirah are happy together, I want you to be happy together. I'm happy for you, glad that you were lucky enough to actually find someone and really fall in love with them. Especially after all that other stuff..." Tay said, unable to finnish his sentiment. Zac was beyond shocked to hear Tay reveal a sliver of himself. It was rare beyond his music these days. He'd missed it. He couldn't help the grin plastered to his face and grabbed up his brother in a giant bear hug. Tay struggled and failed to escape, so instead he decided to hug Zac back. It was then that Ike poked his head out of the room the trio were to share that night and gave his two brothers a teasing grin. "Well, are the two of you going to come in and get some shut eye or are you gonna just grope each other out there in the hall all night?" His ribbing taunt a bit louder then usual and causing the crew wandering the halls still in search of their rooms to chuckle. Like lightning the two brothers broke apart and both lunged for the third. Walker merely opened his door from across the hall and looked out to see what all the noise was about. He sighed and closed his door once more, leaving behind this three hooligan sons to play fight themselves into exhaustion. Some things never changed. Too early in the morning for the likes of the trio of brothers, they were raised from the dead and once more trotted out to show their wares in perfect pitched pipes. An autograph signing and a charity short show later they did their second radio spot and headed toward their last appearance of the day before they could crash at the hotel and relax once more as a whole family. A dry industry dinner was not exactly Zac's idea of a fun evening... but it was part of his job and he gritted his teeth and bore the mounting tension of having to fakely smile for another hour. Just when he thought it couldn't get any worse, an overzealous Shania Twain cuddled up next to him and made a big show of kissing his cheek for the cameras. He cringed inwardly but somehow was able to keep the false smile plastered on his face just that much longer. As soon as the cameras were gone he moved to detach himself from the birdlike claws of the woman. But he wasn't going anywhere soon. She had a hold on him and it didn't look like she was ready to let go. He politely stood there as she patheticly tried to throw herself at him. He thought the irony of it all was funny, having the woman Tay used to lust after, falling all over him. His phone rang and he was ready to fall to his knees and thank the good Lord. He wriggled from her grasp and pulled out his cell phone, holding up a hand. "Hold that thought," He asked nicely of her as he looked at the number of the caller, in hopes it would be Moirah. When he saw it was Ike he grinned catching his brother with his phone to his ear across the room. "I gotta take this, I'm sorry, It's my fiancee." He appologized fakely. Her eyes went round for just a moment, then she smiled and nodded, her eyes already searching out her next victom. She was crestfallen that she had been shot down, but she was determined to make a show of catching somebody for the paparazzi to catch her with. Zac just walked away and chuckled. "Thanks Ike, I owe you a million." Zac spoke into his little phone. Ike grinned and waved at him from across the room. "No problem bro, but you might want to wash that nasty skanks lipstick off your cheek before you get a rash or something." Ike chuckled. Zac's eyes got wide and he immediately began to wipe at his cheek, smudging the offensive red stain even more. He flipped his phone shut and stalked off toward the bathroom muttering curses under his breath the whole way. Zac leaned against the sink, his eyes rivoted to the mirror before him as he nearly scrubbed his face raw to rid it of the smear. He didn't really pay any attention to it when the door opened and someone used the urinal to his far left. But he definately noticed when a tall woman sloted herself beside him and washed her hands. He looked once more and grinned at the smiling face that met his eyes. "Having some trouble honey? Here, I can help." He stated quickly as he reached into his purse. Rupaul brought out a small bottle and a tissue, handing them over to Zac with a smile as nice as his own mothers. "Thanks, I thought I was gonna have to have this stuff sand blasted off." Zac joked as he began to ease the tissue over his cheek. Rupaul laughed. "Well, that's what happens when you wear cheap lipstick. Who branded ya honey?" He asked as Zac handed back the bottle. Zac snickered, tossing the tissue to the trash and washed his hands. "Shania Twain tried to throw herself at me for the cameras." He chuckled as Rupaul rolled his eyes. "Well, I can't blame the woman, you are a hunk of a man now that you're all grown up and all, but really, isn't she old enough to be your mother?" Rupaul said with snide sarcasm. It hit Zac... most people would probably see his relationship with Moirah like that too. Rupaul saw the pale look wash over Zac's face and immediately began to appologize. "I'm sorry honey, I didn't mean to offend you. I may think you're cute and all, but I would never make a pass at you, I know you're straight." He desperately tried to put Zac to ease, not knowing what had really upset him. Zac got a thoughtful look on his face and turned to the other man as he sat on the sink. "Can I ask you something?" He began. Rupaul leaned a hip against the other sink and nodded, arms crossed over his cleavage. He had no clue where this conversation was going, but he could see the boy had questions. "Have you ever been serious with anyone? I mean really love them?" Zac asked. Rupaul smiled and nodded. "Once." He answered before Zac continued. "And was he the same age as you were?" Zac queried. Rupaul thought for a moment and shrugged. "Just about. Why?" He wanted to know. Zac's brow creased. "And what if he was older? Would you still have felt the same way about them?" Zac tried. Now Rupaul really had to ponder that one. He thought for longer before he answered this time. "I guess I would. Is there a point to this line of questions honey?" He smiled kindly at the other man. Zac smiled back and watched for the expression to come. "I was just wondering... cuz you see, my girlfriend is older then I am... " Zac began. Rupaul stood up then, starting to get an inkling as to where this was headed. "And she's like... a lot older?" Rupaul asked. Zac nodded. "Ten years or so, I never really thought about it, it just doesn't occur to me... but it seems that I hear everyone else saying things and it seems a lot of the world has trouble with it." Zac said more to himself. Rupaul was seeing the whole picture now and he felt sorry for what he'd said. It was something he'd never even thought of before. He reached out a hand to Zac's arm and squeezed it reassuringly. "I'm sorry for what I said before man, I just open my big mouth sometimes and put my even bigger foot in it.." He appologized, a wide smile in place.to go with his sincere eyes. Zac smiled back and patted Rupauls hand. "It's not your fault. I do understand, it's just the way society is." He shrugged. Rupaul slung his hip out with attitude and snapped his fingers, a fierce look in his eye. "Now don't you dare let the world take you down. Stand up and be a man. You love her don't you?" Rupaul asked. Zac grinned. "Enough to ask her to marry me." He nodded as he slipped off the sink. "Well that's all you need then. The world can kiss your ass! Let them think what they want, as long as the two of you are happy together, that's all that matters." Rupaul declared as he grabbbed Zac's arm and they headed for the door to return to the party. To bring a bit of levity to the situation, Rupaul squeezed Zac's bicep in both hands. "My but you have grown... maybe I should throw myself at you too!" He crowed. Zac laughed and slapped Rupauls hands away. "Stop that! You know I'm taken, besides, I like redheads, I've got enough blondes around me anyway." He joked back. Rupaul threw back his head and laughed even harder as the two came back into the main room side by side. Rupaul turned to Zac and pinched his cheek where Shania had left her mark. "Well, if you ever change your mind... you look me up sugar!" He joked. Zac roared with hilarity. "You'll be the first to know if I ever decide to switch sides." He joked back. The two parted, a smile genuine on each of their faces as they went back to their jobs of kissing ass for the night. A while later Zac was at the bar knocking back a watered down soda when his brother siddled up next to him and plunked his ass on the stool beside him. "Sup Tay?" Zac asked, setting his empty glass on the bar. Tay shrugged. "Just getting sick of this shit is all. I'm more then ready to go home.Or at the very least back to the hotel to see Mom and the kids." He sighed. Zac nodded, clamping a hand on his brothers shoulder as he grinned. "I'm with you brother. It's been a strange trip tonight I can tell ya." Zac admitted. Tay looked over his shoulder and then turned to face his brother, Zac's hand slipping from Tay's shoulder. His brow creased and he looked up into Zac's face. "What the hell are you talking about? If anything, it's been boring." Tay stated with a firmness. Zac shook his head. "Lucky you. I've had a bit different of a time." He said. Tay sat his elbow on the bar and leaned back reguarding his brother. "Do tell brother, do tell." Tay chuckled. Happy to at least have a small distraction for the night. Zac chuckled then began. "Well... for starters, you're old wet dream goddess threw herself at me patheticly, then Ike had to save me with his cell phone. I had nasty lipstick on my cheek and went to the bathroom to get it off when I had a heart to heart talk with Rupaul in the mens room." He grinned as he crooked a finger at the bartender and shook his glass on the bar and then gestured for two more of the same for he and this brother. Tay chuckled and patted the seat beside him. Zac sat and folded his arms on the bar. "Well that does sound interesting Zac... anything you care to share? Any life changes perhaps?" Tay teased. Zac chuckled as he punched Tay's shoulder, none too lightly either. "You are such an ass hole sometimes, you know that?" Zac demanded. Tay grinned. "What? I think you and Rupaul would make a cute couple!." Tay teased even further. Zac waved his fist beneath Tay's nose in jest and the two broke into laughter. The bar tender sat two glasses of soda on the bar before them and they settled into a quiet conversation of a more serious nature. For the next half hour they talked at the bar, ignoring the fact that they were supposed to be pressing the flesh with the rest of the industry phonies. After a while Walker found them and leaned over, throwing an arm over each of his son's shoulders. "I take it you guys are more then ready to leave?" He chuckled as both sons looked over their shoulders with a guilty smile. Ike slipped onto the stool beside Tay and plunked his ass down heavily with a sigh. "Don't worry about it guys. I've been whineing like a five year old to Dad to leave for over an hour. We were only looking for you two so we could leave." Ike informed them. They all had a small laugh over that and headed toward the blessed exit and for their reunion with the rest of their family. Four large men poured out of the limo and dragged themselves into the posh hotel. They looked weary, but happy. The closer they got to their rooms, the more animated they became. And all for good reason too. They were going to see their loved ones. As soon as the elevator doors slid open Ike was attacked by a flying blonde headed munchkin. He stumbled back and laughed as he caught his little sister and righted himself before they both fell over backwards. "Whoa! I'm guessing you missed us Zoe." Ike chuckled as he hugged his little sister back and walked down the hall with her attached around his neck. Another little blonde head poked out of the room being used by Walker and grinned before it launched into the hallway and began yelling. "They're back! They're here! They're here!" Mac yelled at the top of his lungs as he ran up to his father and jumped impatiently until he was picked up as well. Walker scooped up the boy, laughing as he hugged him to him and covered his face with kisses. They were all laughing as they entered the room, the rest of the family waiting more patiently. With protests Walker gently put his son down again, a grin as he approached his wife. Hugs were being exchanged all around with the children. Amid the chaos a whine went up. "Awww, come on! We're too young to be scared for life like that!" Avie teased as all attention was turned to their parents who were then interrupted in their kiss. They broke apart, arms still around each other and a sheepish grin on each. Walker chuckled. "Well you can't tell us to get a room, you're in it!" He teased his young daughter. They all laughed a bit until Zac spoke up. "Come on guys, let's go to your room and crash, we can let Mom and Dad catch up." He announced as the voice of reason. Ike gave his brother a glance. He was usually the first one to speak up and give his parents some alone time. Apparently Zac really did understand and knew how much his parents were in love. He was proud of how well his little brother had grown up. With many a groan and a few protests, Ike began to herd his siblings out the door. Zoe began to cry, clinging to her Daddies leg. "But I wanna stay here with you Daddy!" She wailed. Walker got a tear in his eye and picked up his baby girl, hugging her tightly to him. "Oh... shhh baby, it's only for a little bit. I promise, when you wake up in the morning i'll be right here. But for now you've got to get into bed, it's way past your bedtime." He reminded her. She still sniffled and squeezed her father's neck more, pressing her cheek to her fathers, not wanting to let him go just yet. Tay took pity on her and gently pryed her from her father's grasp. "Come on Zozo, I'll read to you before bed. Any story you want." Tay promised. She only sniffled. Now Diana tried. "And we'll leave the adjoining door open, so you can come and get into bed with Mommy and Daddy in the morning, if you're a good girl, we'll have them bring you up some lucky charms for breakfast." She promised. Then Mac stuck his head in the room again. "Geez Zoe, don't be such a baby and come to bed." He demanded rolling his eyes with a huff. His exasperation with his little sister getting thin and to the point of squabbling with her. He had had enough of her babyish antics and was fed up. She stuck her little lip out in a pout and crossed her arms as Tay held her. "I am not a baby!" She demanded, then slid down Tay's long lean body and ran after her brother to give him a piece of her mind. Tay sighed with a grin and gave his parents a look. "Don't worry, I won't let them get as far as a brawl. You two just relax, we got it covered." He offered. They all chuckled as he headed out after his little sister. His parents calling their thanks after him as they locked the door behind him. It took over an hour to settle the kids down. They were all excited to see one another again, it had been too long. Tay smiled as he sat on the edge of the bed. Three shining faces freshly scrubbed from the tub smiling up at him. He began his story, reading from the large book that was starting to look tattered from the years of travel it had seen. The room quieted and Ike and Zac sat playing cards quietly with Jess while Tay put the kids to sleep. Avie was the first to nodd off, Zoe following soon after. Before Tay was finnished with the story though Mac spoke up. "Tay, do you have to finnish it? It's kinda girlie." He somewhat complained. Tay chuckled, shutting the book. "Too much for ya huh?" He asked his little brother. Mac yawned, rubbing at his eyes sleepily and nodded. Zac grinned and got up from the table, going over to the bed as Tay was getting up and stretching his long body. Zac picked Mac up and tucked him into the other bed, sitting on the edge of the bed and smoothing his rough fingers over his little brothers forehead, pushing the wispy blonde hiar from his eyes. "Tomarrow we'll read Robin Hood dude." He promised. Mac nodded and rolled over, snuggling down into the bed. Zac rubbed his back until he was well on his way to being fast asleep, then gently rose from the bed and stretched as he himself yawned as well. "Well... I'm bushed. I'm headed to bed." He announced. Jess picked up the cards and began to put them away. "You two should go to bed too you know." She pushed. Tay grinned. "Yes *Mom*." He teased. She laughed and shoved him over with her hip as she got up. "I just mean, tomarrow I know you have a lot to do, and you're gonna be tired. The kids are gonna want to do stuff with you after so you'd better rest up." She tried. Ike just snickered and rolled his eyes at her. She huffed, her hand on her hip as she picked up her knapsack from the floor. "Ok, so I want to take a shower without you three dorks in here all right?" She laughed. Ike got up and crossed over to her, slinging his arm around her shoulders as he leaned into her and whispered. "Tell Dan we all said hi!" He laughed as his sister his him in the gut, he grabbed at it and ran toward the door before she got him any worse. "Jerk." She laughed as she threw her hair brush at Tay who was making kissy faces at her. He ducked just in time and slipped out the door, poking his head back in to stick his tongue out at her. "Be nice to me or I'll have Zac kick your ass." She warned, hugging her brother around his waist and pulling him close. He grinned and put his arm around his little sister. "Yeah, I'll kick your ass! Right after she's done having phone sex." He choked out with a laugh. She slapped his arm and shoved him away. "Oh you!" She growled, despite her grin as she shoved her behemouth brother toward the door. He stumbled out into the hallway laughing his ass off and the three brothers tumbled into eachother and leaned against eachother in the middle of the hallway. Ike started to sing and the other two followed suit. "I looove you truuuely, truuuely I doooo." They teased. She laughed at them and threw a book at them then closed the door with a huff of and rolled her eyes. She leaned against the door and sighed. "Brothers!" She grinned. Then she made her way to the shower. Life was almost normal... almost. But she knew, tomarrow, that would just be a thought. Another groaner of a morning for the brothers, but at least the bite was taken out of it by having their family around them. As long as they were surrounded by their loved ones, they could endure anything. Like clockwork, Zoe crawled in bed with her parents, as promised, Lucky charms were ordered special just for her. Mac was given the privillage of waking the three eldest, given the key and slipping into the room armed with his long time skills of being the youngest brother and a water pistol, he succeeded wildly. After that kind of chaos, breakfast seemed like a breeze, even though the hotel staff thought otherwise. In a scant two hours, the entire entourage was up, ready and on their way out for the days line of events. A whirlwind of appearences and rounding up the little ones for educational jaunts was old hat by now. They enjoyed a relaxing lunch before the sound check for the next nights show seeings how they were going to be so busy that night at the awards and the next day was going to be going by too fast. After soundcheck, they partook in a quick game of touch football in a dusty field near the venue. Diana had to laugh when two of her sons decided to get a bit rougher and try to take down their father, Tay calling unfair play. Ike and Zac only laughed and took down the whiner too. But, when it began to grow late, and she knew it was time to start getting ready, she called them in amung a chorus of complaints. A dirty sweaty but happy bunch of Hansons filed into the hotel and headed back up to their rooms, some of them holding secrets just bursting to come out of hiding. Diana tried to round the smaller ones up with Jess's help, Walker grinning despite himself. Diana wanted so badly to scold him for nearly letting the cat out of the bag but then she herself would have been guilty of said offence. It didn't take long though for the secret to be let free... Ike stepped up to the door and it opened before his hand was on the knob, startling him until he saw the chocolate eyes smiling back at him. With out a word, he leapt into the room and devoured his love, having missed her beyond comprehension for far too long. Zac having been the last one off the elevator, saw only the lunge into the room, and not the cause of the tittering chaos that was foaming around him. He too stepped into the room, his eyes playing the cruelest of tricks on him. He stood, hand upon the door handle, unable to move for he was sure he'd died and gone to heaven. "Aren't you going to at least kiss me hello?" She said softly from her perch on the end of the bed. Immediately, with two long strides, he was before her and fell to his knees. His head fell into her lap and he wept for joy, his arms holding onto her just incase she really was a mirage. Her tears were soft when they came again. She smoothed down his wild hair, her hand stroking over his golden head. Blindly, he reached for her hand, bringing her tiny fingers to his quivering lps. He kissed them, each one lovingly in it's own turn and one kiss to the inside of her wrist before he could gather the strength to lift his head and meet her eyes. There was no need for words now, they both knew. His rough fingers traveled up over her body, his hands telling her just how much he had ached to feel her again. Cupping her face in his hands, a gentle cradle of his passion for her, he lifted up and touched his lips to hers. Their kiss sweet and pure, filled with so much love it was indescribable. The whole room was filled with witnesses to this, and all of them held a reviered quiet. The first words spoken in that suspended time were hoarse and real. Zac held her face against his palm gingerly like a fragile flower. "I love you so much..." He whispered. Her smile was sad but filled with an enormous amount of love. She swallowed hard and nodded, not trusting her voice anymore. He smiled back at her, knowing exactly how she felt. He rose up on his knees more and tenderly kissed her forehead, his gesture that always left her feeling completed. Then he got to his feet, never letting go of her hand and helped her off the bed as he went to his mother, only letting go of Moirah long enough to hug his parents. The tears in his mothers eyes told him that she was happy for them, and knew what they were going through. "Thank you." It was all he could do to get those words out. Even his father, his grin wide and beaming, had a tear in his eye. It was good to be all together... all of them. The mood was broken, but lifted when a small hand pulled at Zac's shirt hem and he looked down. "See, I told you so Zac, she promised and she did." Zoe stated matter of factly. The entire room burst forth in peels of laughter knowing the conversation by now of the 'Zac's sleeping nakie again' morning. With a heart so light he was sure it had grown wings, Zac picked up his little sister and hugged her to himself, one arm then reaching out for Moirah. "She always keeps her promises Zozo." He stated, the three hugging for a moment. "I hate to break this up... but shouldn't we be getting ready?" Jess announced. "We?" Ike asked perplexed. Tay grinned and wrapped an arm around his sisters shoulder. "Yes we... she's my date tonight since Jen couldn't make it." He clarifyed. Both at once Zac and Ike pounced on him. "You knew about this?!" They both crowed. Tay only laughed and shook his head as he fended off their attack. "You don't know how hard it was for Dad and I to keep it from you... but the look of surprize on your faces was more then enough reward. And you're welcome!" Tay teased. The hour grew late and they all headed off to begin the ritual of primping for the press. All in due time, one by one they began to filter into Diana and Walkers room as they got ready for their evening out. It was going to be a long night out, and for a change, Diana and Walker had been convinced to accompany their children to the awards ceremony. It was going to be a grand night out. Zac bullied his way into the shower first as the three brothers clambored in their room. His claims of 'It takes me longer cuz of my hair.' and 'If you don't let me go first I'll kick your asses.' worked well enough. In reality, his brothers knew he just wanted to get to Moirah faster, and they understood. Though they would never admit to possessing such emotions. Shortly after the room had quieted, the bathroom door burst open once more, billowing steam pouring forth as it swirled around a newly scrubbed Zac. His grin was so real and deep, he was certain it was tatooed there. He was ignoring the fact that he would have to part with her again. Instead he was concentrating on a decision he'd come to. One he felt for sure would let him remember this event for a long long, time to come. Despite his idiots grin, neither of his brothers poked fun at him. It was pointless anyway. Nothing was going to bring him down off his high. Why try? After pouring himself into his black leather pants, Zac shoved Tay from infront of the mirror where he'd been staring at his reflection, trying to decide if he had a blemish or not. Tay punched his little brother gestfully and threw himself on a chair to channel surf until Ike was done with the shower. Zac didn't even bother to dry his hair any further than he had with the towel. Opting to merely brush it back and braid it quickly, knotting a leather cord securing the end. Tay tired of the nonexistant entertainment to be had on television and decided to lay out his suit for the night. "Fancy!" Zac commented as he pulled on his favorite black motorcycle boots from where he sat on the other bed. Tay grinned as he smoothed a hand over his new double breasted black armani suit. "Yeah, well, it don't happen often, but when it does, I like to look good." Tay admitted. Zac nodded, finding the hem of his white silk t-hsirt to pull over his head. "I suppose, but I at least want to be comfortable, especially onstage." Zac bounced back. Tay nodded unfolding his electric blue silk tie and laying it too on the bed. Zac chuckled, shaking his head as he pulled his braid from his collar. "Where the hell did you get that eyesore?" He teased. Tay pouted a bit. "What? I like it. I got it to go with the black silk shirt. It looked good when I tried them all on together in Southertans." Tay rebuked. Zac only laughed harder as he tucked his belongings back into his pockets. "Southertans?! Tay, that guy, like, has the hots for you! He'd tell you that you looked good in dirty old sweats!" Zac joked. Tay crinkled up his nose and turned to his brother. "Don't remind me. I'll never forget the time I let him measure my inseam before I knew he was even gay!" Tay grumbled, remembering a not so pleasant event. Zac laughed hard, fetching something from his suit case and tucking it into the pocket of his long black leather jacket. "Well, personally, I don't really care what you wear just as long as your not naked or something equally embarressing." Zac chuckled, his hand on the door. "Besides, I got better things to do with my time besides sit here and talk about your lack of fashion sense." Zac teased. Tay flipped him the bird and they both laughed as Zac left through the door. A few steps down the corridor and he arrived at the portal that would make or break him. He knocked softly calling out. "Moirah? It's me." He said quietly. Moments later the door was opened, a precious smile meeting his own. He stepped into the room and lay his coat aside as he bent to her. Her arms snaked up around his neck , her head tilting back as she got on her tip toes. His fingers gripped at her hips as his hands slid to her backside. As their lips met, he lifted her, his joy spilling over into a hushed moan. Her legs wrapped around his middle and he leaned against the door, weak kneed from her one kiss alone. Need for oxygen won out and their twined tongues parted, breaking their kiss, leaving them both breathless, chests heaving. They laughed softly together, pressing foreheads as they regained air. He breathed in deep, steeling himself as he stood tall once more. "Baby, I wanna talk to you ok?" He asked. She nodded and he reluctantly let her slide down, softly setting her on her feet once more. She pulled her robe around her more and sat on one side of the sofa, waiting for him to join her. He rubbed the back of his neck and paced a bit. "What is it Zac? You know you can tell me anything. Is somehting wrong?" Moirah asked. He laughed a bit and met her eyes. He slid to the floor on his knees, his hands upon hers in her lap, a very serious look on his face when he began. "This isn't how I wanted this... but you know how crazy our life is..." He tried. She wanted to soothe him, ease him into calm so she stroked his fingers then reached up and smoothed her palm over his strong jaw. "I wouldn't have it any other way." She stated. He smiled gratefully for her understanding and continued. He took her hand from his face, kissing it lovingly before he placed it within his own against his rapidly beating heart. "I know this will most likely be the only moment we have alone while you visit me... too shortly... but... I knew I wanted to do this now the moment I saw you in my room tonight..." He declared as he reached his other hand toward his coat and into the pocket. He pulled out a small black belvet box and held it cradled in his palm between them. Her tears shone like jewels. She couldn't have stopped them for all the world. "Moirah O'Hara... will you please marry me?" He announced pleadingly. She couldn't hold back her emotions any longer. She threw her arms around his neck and devoured his lips in a scortched example of passion. He couldn't help the little laugh that broke them apart. "Should I take that as a yes?" He asked. She laughed too. "Yes! Yes! A million times yes!" She cried softly. He laughed again and took hier mouth, craving her love and needing to be saited by her touch. Only lack of air seemed to be able to tear them apart now. He chuckled and realized the box was still in his hand, unopened. "Don't you even want to see the ring? Put it on maybe?" He suggested. She laughed noddinng and held out her hand. "I wouldn't care if it were a horseshoe nail, I'd still wear it because it's yours... and so am I." She admitted tenderly, touching his face. He smiled up at her as he opened the box. "I love you... always." He said sofly as he took the ring from the box. Slipping it onto her finger, his breath hitched in his throat. The realization of this moment huge... and so much more satisfying then he'd ever imagined. Together they looked down on the breath taking creation that now adorned her finger. It was something she herself would have loved or made if he hadn't had it made for her. It fit her personality so perfectly. A single heart shaped diamond set in perfectly polished platinum, surrounded with the tinyest of sapphires and amathysts. It blurred in her vision from her tears of joy. She handn't been expecting anyghing of the sort. She had known that at some point, they would bind themselves together with some token for show. They had already sewn their souls together long ago. She pulled at his hands guiding him to sit beside her. He slipped onto the seat next to her and pulled her closer, kissing the top of her head where it lay against his chest. "You make me so happy Moirah!" He confessed. She sighed, tightening her grip about him. "You have no idea how happy you've always made me." She returned. Every conversation, every emotion of the last months flew through his head, all of them shared with her, tainted only by their seperation. There really was no seperation between them - only that physical barrior in their lives - obligation. He hated that word, it seethed with a passion within him. He had to push all of that away now... just enjoy her while he could. He rubbed over her back, the soft chenille of her robe tickling his callosed hands. Sinking his fingers into her hair he tightened his fist around a mass of curls and held her to him, reaching around her with his other hand to keep her close for a few breaths. Her little hands moved around him as she looked up into his eyes. The love he saw shining there was nearly overwhelming. She rose to her knees, her body pressing against him as she kissed him, his embrace pulling her against his body even tighter, almost fearing he'd break her like a china doll, but needing to hold her. She felt so soft against him, warm and real. How he'd longed to have her near again, and now that he had her, he never would let her go again. His hands began to roam over the curves of her body, illiciting a small moan from her. She crawled over his lap, settling her damp center against the growing erection forming beneath his thick leather pants. His groan of pleasure was deep as her mouth moved over his jaw and smoothed over his neck, making him arch into her. "Ohhh..." She sighed, her fingers gripping at his broad shoulders as she began to grind into him. His need of her like a wildfire, he pulled her robe open, lips sliding fevered kisses over her creamy neck. The heft of her breasts was so familiar in his hands as he ran his thumbs over the smooth satin that covered her hard nipples. He slipped his tongue down into the crevase between her breasts, pressed together and up within her merry widdow. "Jesus Moirah I want you so bad." He shispered against her damp skin. "I know baby... but El is only in the shower, she could come out any minute. We'd better not. We could get caught doing heaven knows what." She replied. That made him laugh, looking up into her stunning green eyes. "But that doesn't help with this!" He shot back, ramming his hips into her as he held her waist steady. It made her throw her head back blissfully at the contact of his hard member pounding against her clit. It sent her over the edge so fast it surprized her... and him also as he watched the flight of emotions pass over her face while she came. She always made him stare in awe everytime he witnessed her pleasure. It amazed him that it was he that could do such to this creature that embodied everything a woman of perfection to him could hold. Her breathing slowed, her head comming back up as her gaze met his. The darkness in her eyes was mesmerizing to him as he watched her near him. Her kiss was fierce and hungry as she dove into him, plunging her tongue within his mouth. It mas\de his head spin in pleasure, but he still ached to be within her, feel her walls grasp at him and take him over the edge of sanity in what he knew would be the most satisfying experience of his life... but he knew he couldn't. Didn't have the luxury to do so at the moment. And that pained his heart. He so much wanted to take her away and make love to her all day and all night. Her hands were creeping down over his belly on their way to pleasuring him the best she could at the time. Never breaking their kiss her fingers slid between where their bodies were pressed together and stroked him. He groaned quietly, laying his head against her shoulder. Her fingers could do magic with his body. She pulled at the laces keeping him from her and he let his lips slide over her bared shoulder and up the curve of her delicious neck, her perfume making him lightheaded. Abruptly the door of the bathroom opened and startled the two, beaking them apart, but caught like deer in headlights as both looked to the sound of someone clearing their voice. El laughed form the doorway, a twel about her head, another wrapped over her body. "Did I interrupt?" She snickered. Zac groaned and lay his forehead on Moirah's shoulder, holding her on his lap around the hips. God forbid if she were to move and El were to witness him in his aroused state. Moirah swallowed, her voice raspy when she tried to use it. "You're so mean El!" She tried to make light, her grin nervous as she discretely removed her hand from Zac's crotch and drew her robe back together. "I try." El shot, her look more than sarcastic as she fished in her suitcase. "So was I." Zac said so quietly only Moirah heard him. She tried to stifle her giggle, but El still noticed. "What's so funny?" She demanded with a smile, wanting to be let in on the joke. "Nothing!" Zac and Moirah both clipped out fast enought to make El know she wasn't going to find out. She just laughed. "Yeah? Well I think you'd better stop playing kissyfce and get dressed or we're going to be late." El reminded. Moirah grinned and nodded, giggling a bit as Zac dove his nose into the crook of her neck and bit softly at the flesh there. El shook her head grinning and went back into he bathroom. When she shut the door once more Moirah pushed herself away from Zac, but he held onto her, nibbling at her tenderly and making her laugh. "Stop that!" She said without any conviction. He looked at her with mischief. "You love it and you know it" He chidded, going at her once more and pulling her to him tighter. She tossed her head back and pushed against him again, this time escaping. "I do, but she's right. If I don't get ready, we're going to be late." She reprimanded through her laughter. He pouted patheticly, comicly sticking his lip out. "Oh behave!" She admonished. "So I'll owe you ok?" She promised lifting his chin up with one finger. He huffed over dramaticly. "Ohhhkaaay..." He sighed. She laughed and moved away from him, dropping her robe onto a chair as she went to her suitcase. "Are you trying to kill me?" He whined as he got up and adjusted the lump in his leather pants. She laughed as he pouted and retied the laces at his waist. She bent over to get a bag off the floor and he groaned. She looked over her shoulder and smiled. "Now that was just cruel woman. How the hell am I going to calm down if you don't stop it?" He whined. "Awww... I'm sorry baby." She teased as she ran her hands up under his tight t-shirt. "Damnit Moirah!" He complained. She took her hands away and held them up as she backed off. "Ok! Ok! I promise, no more!" She stated as she went to gather her things. She giggled a bit and slipped into the bathroom too where he heard her complain to El. "Stop hogging the mirror woman!" And they both laughed behind the closed door. He grinned despite the fact that he felt cheated out of a little slap and tickle. But then again, sexual satisfaction wasn't everything he thought. After all... hadn't he just asked her to wear his ring. He grinned to himself as he went to the window, smoothing back his hair. There would be plenty of time for all of that later on. After all - they had their whole lives together to look forward to now. By the time his body calmed, she came back into the room, a mismatched pair of panties from what she had been wearing making him grin. She smiled back at him, her plump wine stained lips tempting him even from across the room. She took her dress from the bag hanging near her suitcase and unzipped it. She stepped into it and began adjusting it when she asked. "Zip me up please?" He grinned, remembering a time she had asked him that before. She saw his sly smile and chuckled. "I know what you're thinking mister man, and you'd better behave yourself. I just want you to zip me, nothing more. Understand?" She scolded. "Geez! Can't a guy cop a feel anymore?" He teased as he stepped behind her. They laughed together as she lifted her mane away from the zipper for him. "Le'mme see." He requested, and she turned for him. The sleeveless white sheathe of a dress shimmered from the silverish brocade, but the eggplant hued velvet panel that draped across her hips to meet and train along behind made his hands itch with wantng to pull her to him, even if just to feel that soft material as it clung to her hips. Her hair was crowned in a braid with a tiara like sparkling headband, long cascades of lavish auburn curls spilling over her shoulders and down her back to meet the low cut of her dress. He was breathless with her beauty. She always seemed to have that effect on him... and he loved it. He sat and watched her as she finnished getting ready. It was a small delight to him, watching her. She sat at a desk she and El had strewn with make up and jewlery, a large lighted mirror set in the center for their use. She fished in a box and drew out a pair of earrings and a necklace, laying them on the cleared surface before her. She slipped her earrings on and he rose to help her with the necklace, lifting her hair up and to the side allowing her to fasten it. Shimmering light rained from her earrings and around her delicate throat to drip into her cleavage when he looked over her shoulder and into the mirror. He stooped and kissed the back of her neck, breathing in her heavenly scent. Then he let her hair fall back into place, burrying his nose in it and inhaling deeply. "You always smell so good." He breathed. She laughed lightly and leaned back against him as his arms went about her and he rested his cheek atop her head. He chuckled and she wondered what was so funny. "You know, I've got a great view down the front of your dress form here." He chuckled. She laughed and pulled away from him, turning to slap his arm and making him laugh harder. She got up and found her shoes, slipping them on as there was a knock at he door. "Get that, will ya?" She asked as she stooped to put on her other shoe. He laughed. "Great view down your dress when you do that too!" He told her. She looked up to him with a grin. "Just answer the door already you horn dawg." She scolded as she stood again. He chuckled and saluted her as she looked in the mirror to check if she was ready. Zac opened the door to his oldest brother and grinned, stepping aside to let him enter. "Whoa! Moirah!" Ike growled grinning, making her blush. Ike's crisp white shirt with the nehru style collar made his smile shine even brighter. The onyx clasp at his throat only serving to heighten the contrast of his sparkling smile against his browned skin. The smooth whisper of his camel leather pants announced his entrance into the room, long tan coat slung over one shoulder hanging from the crook of his finger. He was truely a handosme man, and Moirah could understand easily how El had fallen for him. He was utterly adorable under his toss of golden curls. She could see the youthful mischief that lay behind his soulful brown eyes, she just had to smile back at him. The brothers laughed and Ike plunked down on a chair as Zac closed the door. "El! We're gonna be late! Get a wiggle on!" Ike yelled, making Zac and Moirah laugh. "You'd think you two were already married." Moirah teased as she slipped some things into her purse. El stuck her head out the door and grinned. "Love you too baby!" She teased. Ike laughed and got up as she crooked her finger, reeling him in toward her with a grin. "Ready!" Moirah announced as Ike grabbed Els hand and she pulled him into the bathroom. The door closed and laughter was heard. Zac and Moirah looked at each other and grinned as he held out a hand to her. They moved toward the door and Zac called over his shoulder. "Only a quickie you two! We don't wanna be late!" He teased. More laugher came back from the bathroom and made Zac and Moirah just laugh more as he closed the door behind them. Zac knocked on his parents door. A quiet deep voice bid them entrance and he opened the door for Moirah. She took in the scene around her and smiled as she entered the room, Zac behind her a hand to the small of her back. Walker was seated on the sofa, Zoe in his lap reading to him. He smiled at the entering pair. He looked like he had always belonged in his traditional black tux, though his coat was cast aside at the moment. Diana called form the childrens room for Zoe and the little one scampered off with a smile. "Last minute instructions to the babysitter." Walker explained. Jess came through the door, the perfect picture of a fashionable young woman. Long black flowing slipdress and whispy shawl. A coronet of tiny pastel flowers off set by her simple and elegant silver cross around her neck. She smiled and huffed lightly as she sat next to her father. "Ready." She needlessly announced. Walker smiled at his daughter and patted her knee. "Diana! Hurry up!" He urged to his wife. "Comming!" She returned. Her entrance to the room held an almost regal splender. The long sleeves of her royal blue velvet off the shoulder gown was cuffed and studded with rhinestones that matched those that were sprinkled in her long loose hair. They seemed to drip down, around and off her neck with the stunning choker she wore. "Tay isn't ready yet? What's taking that boy so long? And where are El and Ike... we're going to be late!" Diana jabbered on to herself as she collected things and got ready to leave. Zac chuckled and grasped his mother by the shoulders to calm her. "Calm down Mom... I'll go and get Tay. Ike and El are gonna be here in a minute." Zac said soothingly. She sighed and sat where her son had guided her to a chair. She patted her son's hand and smiled. "Thank you." She said simply as she tried to relax. It was a new experience for her to be involved in such an event. She was nervous. Zac slipped back into his room. "Tay, you ready yet? Mom's start'n to throw a hissy." He called. Tay stuck his head out of the bathroom and grinned. "Tell her not to have a cow. I'm just fixing my tie. I'll be right over." He promised. Zac chuckled and saluted his brother then turned heel to leave. As he opened the door his brother spoke again behind him. "So, did you do it?" He asked. Zac turned, brow creased. "Do what?" He asked back. Tay chuckled as he picked up his wallet and tucked it into his pocket. "Did you do it? Did you give it to her?" Tay reitterated. Zac chuckled and closed the door again, leaning aginst it, crossing his arms. "How'd you know?" He querried. Tay shrugged into his jacket and grinned. "Come on now little brother, like I didn't see you slip that ring box into your pocket before you left? Do I look blind to you?" Tay laughed. Zac did too, shakeing his head. "Can't ever keep a secret in this family can I?" He jovially complained. Tay patted his brother on the back as he crossed the room to grab a few things. "Don't sweat it bro... I won't say anything if you don't want me to." Tay promised. Zac opened the door again. "Nah, it's cool. I was gonna tell everyone before we left tonight anyway. Not like they wouldn't eventually notice the dang ring anyway." Zac reasoned. "You got it." Tay gave back as Zac left. Zac smiled as he stuck his head into his parents room. "Tay'll be right over." He announced. His mother smiled at him and he smiled back. Then he winked at Moirah and left once more. Zac jogged down the hall back to Moirah and El's room. He knocked shortly and the door opened to a stunning El. He whistled low and indicated with his finger for her to spin around. She obliged and he comicly growled. She faced him again, her smile wide. "You look'n hot tonight baby!" He howled. She laughed, smoothing her hands down her body encased in a green satin oriental style short dress that gleemed with silver threaded floral print. "Ya think?" She joked wiggling her hips. Ike came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close as he burried his nose in her neck. "I know you are!" He rumbled. Zac laughed. "See? It's unanimous! Now, let's boogie. Mom's get'n antsy." Zac explained. "Ok, just a sec." El said, raising a finger and turning out of Ike's embrace. Ike let her go and leaned on the door frame next to his brother as they watched El check her makeup in the mirror and smoothed a hand over the intricately coifed chignon being held by black laquer chopsticks she wore. "Come on honey, you're beautiful, let's go!" Ike rushed. She turned and stuck out her tongue at him and they laughed as she picked up her purse and headed to the door. They left together and walked to where the others were waiting. The door stood open, Tay standing in it when they got there. He turned and looked over his shoulder at the three and grinned, winking at El as he moved to let them pass. Tay and Zac exchanged a look and Tay tilted his head toward the childrens room. Zac nodded and went to stand beside Moirah who was waiting for him in the chair next to his mother. He kissed her forehead in the custom he had and took her hand as she offered it over her shoulder. Tay quietly herded the three smaller children into the room a grin on his face larger then all of Oklahoma. "Well..." Walker began as he stood up. "Are we all reeady to go?" He asked around the room. "In a moment Walk, I think Zac has something he wants to say." Diana surprized Zac as he had just opened his mouth to speak as his mother did. Walker looked confused but shrugged and sat back down again as Mac came and crawled into his lap. Zoe leaned against her mother's knees and Diana gave Zac a knowing smile. He grinned gratefully at his Mother and cleared his throat. Straight and to the point, Zac looked around the room, meeting the eyes of all his dearest loved ones as he said. "I gave Moirah a ring tonight." His grin beamed his pride, as an uproar went up around the room. Suddenly a flurry of activity filled with well wishes and congratulations surrounded Zac and Moirah. Zoe tugged at her mother's hand, a confused look on her face. Before she could even get the question out Diana was answering the youngsters question. "It means that Moirah is going to be your new sister somday just like El." Her mother explained with precision. Zoe's face lit up and she jumped up and down clapping gleefully as she ran to her brother. He picked her up and Zoe hugged him fiercely about the neck. He chuckled as she wriggled out of his grip and pounced on a very happy Moirah. She hugged the little girl tightly and Zoe kissed her cheek. "I was praying for you to be my sister, and it worked!" Zoe exclaimed causing the whole family to laugh. Then Walker stood up, pulling Moirah from her chair and hugged her ferociously. He kissed her cheek too and let her go, holding her to his side as he grabbed his son. He held the couple to his sides and grinned widely. "Well! Now i'd say we're ready to go! And tomarrow, we'll celebrate!" He promised. The final goodbyes were given to the children staying behind and the rest of the entourage exited to the lobby to wait for the limo to pull around to the front. While they were waiting, a grinning Darius caught Moirah's eye. She grinned back at him and he approached her. "I see you're wearing a new accessory." He teased. She laughed. "You knew?" She asked. He just shrugged, grinning. "I was there when he picked it up." He explained as he opened his arms for a hug from her. She laughed lightly and slipped into his arms to hug him tightly. "Congratulations. I"m really happy for the both of you." He offered. She smiled and pulled back as Zac put a hand on Darius's shoulder. "Makeing a move on my woman?" He teased and they laughed together. Darius let go Moirah and grabbed Zac, hugging him roughly. "You idiot. Congratulations!" He grinned, punching him in the shoulder. Zac laughed and took up Moirah's hand as Walker called out to everyone to leave. "Time to brave the the horde." Zac fooled and they laughed as Darius led them outside and through the crowd to the awating limo. Zac handed Moirah into the limo, Walker helping her, and Diana assisting her with her train. Then Zac turned to Darius, a smile on his face. "Well see you huh?" He said to his friend. Darius nodded, a silently understood communication between the two, his smile back at Zac his way of saying, 'I got your back buddy.' Zac climbed into the limo and squished next to Moirah who was wedged against El. He chuckled and looked over at his father sitting across from him. "Maybe next time we should take two limos?" He teased. They all laughed and then were on their way to the awards show of the evening. A happy family |
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| Thanx for read'n... Z-ya! |