On My Knees 7 Hearts of Stone When the roars of laughter had died away and Virginia and Jennifer had returned to their duties, Zac and Moirah sat alone at the table. Her hand lay gently in his as she abscently stired the crumbs in the bottom of her tea cup. She was gazing out the window in silence, thinking about the many stories and memories he had told her of his life within the walls of the house she now sat in. The back yard was lush and wide, a tempting paradise for childrens games. She supposed that was one of the many reasons why Diana and Walker had purchased it in the first place. She sighed, making him smile a bit for he had been watching her. He was always watching her, couldn't take his eyes from her if he had wanted to. Leaning forward he whispered into her hair. "Whatcha think'n bout?" She sat up straighter, turning to him and gracing him with a wide smile. She slid into his inviting arms and leaned toward his warmth. "I was just thinking about how nice it had to have been for you to be able to grow up here. Your mom and dad are good at their jobs, stellar parents." She said quietly. She looked up at him. "That's what I've always wanted to be. They have what I've dreampt of finding since I was a girl." Her sentiment sinking into his heart to wrap around his soul. Curling up like a kitten who'd found a home, it belonged there. He pulled her tighter to him, giving up on being dis-satisfied with her distance he just pulled her into his lap, savoring her nearness as he curled himself around her. His mouth met hers, a distinct rush flooding his head and making him dizzy. She pressed against him, her heat melding with his as the passion between them stirred. She took her mouth away, gasping to gain breath. He couldn't fathom stopping, he cascaded kisses down her throat. Licking at the dip between her collarbones before he ran a line of affection up her neck. He suckled upon her earlobe, breath heavy he panted in her ear. "Baby...?" The pleading in his voice sending a rush through her body. She let go his hand, smoothing her palm over the rigid curve under his sleeve as she leaned to his ear. A small nip making him tremble before she spoke. "Not here." She breathed over his damp skin. His mind raced to think. Where? Where could he take her to be alone? He needed her, he needed her now! He knew he couldn't wait, wasn't going to take her someplace else, it had to be here, somewhere here in the house. But with Virginia and Jennifer here the places they could slip away to were limited. He stood quickly, at the same time scooping her up in his arms. Her mouth never left the hollow of his throat, sucking and nipping like she knew drove him insane. She hung on tightly around his neck as he pressed his back to the wall and peeked around the corner. Nobody was insight and he took the opportunity quickly and raced up the stairs. She was laying kisses along his jawline with eyes closed, reveling in his scent and warmth when she heard the quiet click of the door close. She opened her eyes and looked up to him, searching out what she knew was always there day or night. His loving gaze held her as he rested the both of them against the door, dipping his head to taste her again. Her sweetness refueled him as he let her slip to the floor. Unwillingly he broke away from her, he turned to lock the door then smiled back at her. Taking her hand in his he pulled her away from the door to an overstuffed chair by the window. He pulled her down to him as he sat. Stradling him she looked down into dark eyes, loosing her self in the depths. "I love you so much." He whispered, pulling her mouth against his. She felt the sting of emotion wet her lashes. Such simple words strung together, yet to her it made life worth living. "I love you to, you know that." She answered between fervent kisses. His breathing quickened to desperate levels as she started sucking on his tongue. He was about to go stark raving mad with want of her. Gripping her hips he pulled her further up over his aching need. Her little wimpers of want increased as she ground her hips over his. She started to tug at his t-shirt, forcing him to sit up, she yanked it off over his head, tossing it behind her. She tore away from his mouth, raking her teeth over the tender skin of his throat on her way to bite his shoulder. He groaned in heat, tearing at the delicate material of her blouse, trying to get to her succulent flesh. Shoving his hands away she deftly undid the small buttons, strugling out of her confinement. As she pulled the camisole up he reached for her, before she even discarded the garment his hands were upon her. Kneading over the roundness and teasing her nipples into stiffened peaks. He sucked at them like candy, tasting first one the the other. Her hands stroked the back of his head, pulling him in to her bliss, loosening the tail of gold. She pulled him up into a scortching event of passion resembling a kiss, all the while his fingers pinched and rolled at the rosey flesh, making her moan into the cavern of his mouth. She was writhing over him, making him question his sanity. He pulled at the closure of her jeans, not wanting to take his lips from her flesh long enough to see what he was doing. He wanted to touch and taste every inch of her, the woman so incredible she was his only reality. He'd finaly gotten her zipper down and lifted her to stand before him. He slid out of the chair to the floor. He knelt before her as she leaned her hip against the window sill to steady her tremblingly weak legs. Sinking her fingers into the long blonde strands her hands followed his tongue's descent down her tummy as he sat back on his haunches. The callouses of his rough fingertips rasped against her milky skin as he drew the denim down over her hips and theighs. He tugged at her silky panties until they joined her jeans at her ankles. He steadied her as she stepped out of them, guiding her to perch on the edge of the window sill for support. He reached up behind her, his hand gliding over her backside and crawling up her spine to the nape of her neck. He was pressed against her naked form, her every nerve was alive with overload of electricity. She bent down to him, meeting his lucious lips in a heated bond. His hands sank into her hair, popping open the barrette. He shivered when her curls cascaded over his forearms. Grasping at fistfuls of her soft hair he he pulled her into him even deeper, sliding his tongue over hers. Her nails scraped over his shoulders, making him shake inside from his desire. His kissed dripped over her chin, ran down her throat, and paused when he took the time to suck on each breast once more in turn. Her hands returned to the mop that was once his ponytail as his fingers gripped at her hips. His tongue snaked down over her belly, swirling patterns and designs, making her whine. Gently he pushed at her inner thy, parting her legs and raising her foot to rest on his bent knee. He rested his hand there, the other one upon her hip. His mouth watered with the sight before him. Nuzzling his nose against her thy he felt her grip tighten in his hair. He turned his head and kissed her other thy, lapping a wet trail up her leg and over to her hip. He could feel the tension in her body. She was shaking in anticipation. Dipping his tongue into her navel he felt her quiver. He drew a line with the tip of his tongue from her bellybutton down to her sweet folds, barely grazing over the heated flesh. She cried out in pleasure softly until he quickly darted his tongue in, flicking it against her throbing clit. "Fuck!" She moaned. He watched her from below, throwing her head back in euphoria, she was a goddess to him. His hand crept from her hip and teased her, tracing around her entrance as he languidly lapped at her nub. Her muscles tensing he waited until her panting drove her to thrust her hips forward, seeking that satisfaction he held just out of her grasp. At that same moment he sank two thick fingers into her, sucking quickly at her clit. "Oh god!" She cried out, eyes popping open wide, her mouth set in a soft 'oh' still after her exclamation. Lustily he caught her attention through his thick lashes as he thrust his fingers deeply in and out of her opening. Swirling his tongue over her sensitive spot, with a single look he let her know he was enjoying everything as much as she was. And he was too, it took all he had in him not to cum when he'd first touched her, tasting her salty sweetness on his tongue. She was bucking against him, riding on his fingers, crashing into his tongue. He was in agony he was so hard with desire for her. His jeans so tight over his straining member he thought he would pass out. He slipped his fingers from her, letting the slickened digits move up to her clit as he took his mouth from her mound. He let go her thy, tugging at the button of his jeans franticly, awkward with his right hand. Gently grinding his thumb into her with his left hand he still managed to pull down the fly of his jeans, freeing his painful erection. Wiggling and manuvering a bit, somehow he was able to push the material down below his tightening balls without ever giving up his hold on her pleasure. Immediately he lunged forward, plunging his tongue into her dripping hole as he stroked himself. Her breath drew in sharply and he heard her moan as her fingers grabbed fistfulls of his long locks, now fully free of the elastic. He moaned back in reply for she was so sweet in his mouth. "Oh... Zac! Yessss...!" She hissed, her walls closing in around his tongue. He moaned again at the feel of her tightening, shaking against him. When she stopped trembling she started to slump forward, spent with pleasure. He jumped up to catch her before she fell, cradling her in his arms, his hard cock pressing against her hot skin. Clutching at him she fought to stand again, gaining control once more she dragged him down to her mouth. Thanking him with a seering touch of her lips. He growled, pushing his hips into her more. She so easily turned him on even more than he thought possible. Ripping her lips from his she caught him off guard, pushing him back. He tumbled backward, falling into the soft chair behind him, making him grab at the headrest with both hands. Before he could protest she had fallen to her knees before him. Her tiny hands both stroking him and rolling his tight balls. His head fell back in bliss, sinking his left hand into her soft curls when her mouth dropped down over his hard cock. "Fuck baby!" He groaned. Her head bobbed in his lap, his hand not able to let go either the chair behind his head nor give up the grasp on her hair. He held on for dear life for his reality was tearing apart with every stroke of her tongue over his stiff rod. She plunged down on him heartily, bumping the back of her throat with his cockhead. Then she would suck back up, long and hard, the pressure unreal in his fuzzy brain. When she swirled her tongue around the tip she would tenderly rake her teeth over the underside then part the slit with her tongue, lapping up the steady stream of clear fluid flowing like a fountain. Again she gobbled him up, taking him to the hilt down the back of her throat, groaning and swallowing, sucking hard, so hard he thought he would implode! "Jesus Moirah!" He cried out, sounding like a caged animal. He held her still with her hair, letting her back off him slowly as he pumped his load down her throat. She pulled away from him bit by bit until the last reminents of his desire lay cradled on her tongue and dripping from her lip, down her chin. He watched her tiny fingers stroke his organ, milking it for any more creamy traces as her tongue darted out, catching the errant drops that had strayed from her mouth. She smiled up at him slyly, licking her lips. She laughed when his cock twitched in her hand. "Horny much?" She teased. He chuckled, sitting up more to bend down to her as she reached up for him. They met for a loving kiss, drawing out long measures of passion. He broke away from her, his taste on his own mouth now. "Always for you." He answered. Laughing softly she pushed herself up some, a hand up from him and she stood on her feet once more. He flopped back into the chair, his spent tool stickily slapping against his belly and his arms draping over the armrests, knuckles nearly grazing the floor. He watched her, eyes still heavy with satisfaction, as she busied herself with putting her clothes back on. He could hear her softly humming under her breath as she slid her panties back up her lean legs. He found everything she did was erotic and reprimanded himself when he once more felt his neither regions stir. Maybe he was a big horn dog, but how could he not be with her as the bait? He quickly tucked himself back in before he got himself into trouble again. He'd already blown off most of the day to spend it with her. He knew he had work to do, he knew he was avoiding going home, but damnit! He needed to be with her! His time with her was drasticly limited and he just simply decided that she was more important. Somehow he thought that he would always feel that way. She slipped her blouse back on but didn't bother to button it up again. She stooped and picked up his t-shirt from the floor, handing it to him as he rose from the chair. He smiled down at her as she searched for her barette. Throwing his shirt over his shoulder and stepping behind her he reached into his pocket and pulled out a spare elastic, he always had several for he was always loosing them. Gathering up her hair he secured it into a quick tail. She turned to him, a loving smile in offerance. "Thank you." She said softly. He grinned down at her as he did the same to his own hair with a second rubberband. She smoothed her hands over his bare chest, letting them rest on his shoulders until he had completed the tail to his own mane. He let his hands slip from behind his own head, down over her creamy arms, letting them rest on her hips. He bent to her, placing a whisper of a kiss on her still swollen lips. "I love you." She said in fact. "I love you too." He returned, offering one more peck. She stepped back, letting him crawl back into his shirt. "Ready?" He asked. She looked around once more. "Well, I'll have to look for my barette later. I have stuff to do and so do you. You're hours late for the studio you know." She scolded him. He took up her hand as they crossed the room. "I know, but I think spending time with you far outweighs hassling with crap in the studio. Besides, I'm sure my brothers can get along without me for a day." He told her truthfully, unlocking the door and holding it open for her. She stepped into the hallway and waited for him to join her. He did, taking up her hand again. "I suppose." She said unsurely. "Trust me baby." He said back as they headed down the stairs. Sighing she only nodded in compliance. She had to trust him. Besides, what was done, was done. They ended up back in the kitchen. She noticed a grin growing on his face and wondered what he was up to. "What?" She boldly asked him. He chuckled as he leaned down to her. "I just had one of my greatest fantasies come true." He admitted to her. She laughed. "And what was that?" She asked of him as he drew her into an embrace. "Getting a girl to blow my mind in my bedroom." He shrugged, his grin widening. She tossed her head back in laughter. "Ahh juvenile fantasies." She looked up to him, a sly sneaky smile hiding behind her hand. She took her hand away, whispering seductivly in his ear as he bent to her. "Was it all you'd dreamed?" He was weak in the knees from her voice on his ear. He closed his eyes, quietly moaning. "God yes!" He sighed. "Good! That will be the last childhood fantasy I hope." She giggled. He eyed her, a sly cocky grin on his lips. "Baby, that was the ultimate of any fantasy, child or grown man." He purred, this time it was she who was weak in the knees. She was almost tempted to head back up stairs to replay it all. "There you two are! Zac, there was a call for you. Taylor didn't sound very happy that you were still here after he'd gotten over the relief knowing that you were ok." Virginia informed them. Zac groaned. Moirah squeezed him, letting him know that she knew how frusterated he was. "We better get back home." He admitted, looking at his watch. "It's almost time for dinner anyway and Mom would have a hissy fit if I missed two meals without telling her where I was." He grumbled. Without anymore conversation they headed to the truck and emptied the bags from the bed. Hauling them all in they took them down to the garage and stowed them away for safe keeping until she would come back the next day to work on things for the party. She turned from the closet and saw him standing at the statue that remained in the center of the room. His hand was gliding over the instrument slung over the back of the minstrel she had hewn from granite. She smiled at his distant presence. She knew exactly what he was remembering, it was a magic moment. So few people had those in their lives. She was more than grateful for the one they shared. She siddled up beside him and wrapped her arm around his waist, his hand draped over her shoulder in an automated act. It was second nature for him to reach out for her now. She felt so close to him at this moment. Closer than she did with anyone she had ever known in her lifetime. She hugged him to her side, smiling wildly for the fate that had drawn them together and for the marker that remained of that union standing before them now. It wasn't long before they were back in the drive of the Hanson homestead. He shut off the truck and turned to her, taking up her hand and kissing her fingers delicately. Her smile warm and inviting he leaned to her, placing a touch to her lips that conjured fairytale fantasies. As her tongue slipped into his mouth he slipped into heaven. Deepening their bond his passion started to take control. She was helpless to stop it for she too was spiraling into the cyclone of emotion that drew them together with every kiss. He pulled her to him, wrapping her in his arms, engulfing her small body until she disappeared in bliss. With her every kiss it made him hunger for more. His hands were stroking over her body, hers tangled in his hair, now free again of it's restraints after she had tugged the band out. He leaned forward, laying her back some. His soft moans rising as she sucked at his lower lip. A pain to the back of his head ripped him from her lips and yanked his body from the truck. He cried out in agony, more emotional than physical. He looked up from the ground where he lay on his back into the irate face of his older brother. He was in too much shock to say or do anything until he heard Moirah's gasp as he watched Taylor reach into the truck for her as well. He leapt from the pavement, springing on his brother like an animal. He'd lunged at him, knocking him into the door of the pickup before he could lay a hand on her. He held him there, his hand at Taylor's throat. "Have you gone fucking insane!" Zac growled. "Get the hell off me!" Taylor nearly screamed. Zac shoved him away, blocking the open door of the truck, putting himself between Taylor and Moirah. Rubbing at his neck he glowered at Zac who stood with his arms crossed over his chest. He stood like an edifice in protection of the woman he loved. "What is you're fucking problem?! What the hell did you do that for?" Zac yelled. By now most of the family were in and around the front door, witness to the scene. Zac felt a small hand at his shoulder, he turned his head, looking into her face. She was pale and her eyes were rimmed with red like she was about to cry, her lip held a tiny quiver but her voice did not waiver. "Don't do this. He didn't touch me. Let's just go inside." She pleaded quietly. "No!" He said forcefully. "I want to know what the hell is going on. And I want to know right now!" He said loudly, directing a meltingly frightful glare at his brother. Taylor sneered back, a hand still at his throat. "You fucking well know exactly what this is about! It's disgusting! Bad enough you have to parade her around, but do you have to do it in our own driveway? Infront of the whole world to see?! You blow off a whole day of work, never even bother to let anyone know if your dead or alive, then you have the nerve to saunter in here and do that! You sicken me! You and you're whore!" Lightening quick Zac took a step toward his brother, murder in his eyes. Moirah scrambled out of the truck and got between them. Pushing against his chest she looked up to Zac. "Please! Don't!" She begged, then eyed his cocked fist, ready to terminate his brother. He looked down to her, eyes softening, he dropped his fist to his side. She knew he was under control of his emotions once more and turned to the offender. "I don't know what kind of problem you have with me Taylor, but there is never any need for you to lash out at your brother. If you have issues with me, then take them up with me damnit!" She shook her her tiny finger up at him, her face a twisted stance of anger and hurt. He snorted. "I try not to associate with common filth." The words slithering off his tongue. Zac pushed forward once more, his hand at her arm that still remained on his chest, to push her out of his way and his left fist tight, ready to fly. She whipped around, staring up into his dark eyes wordlessly. His whole body slumped, his fist uncurling to cover her tiny hand that lay over his heart. "So now you're pussy whipped?" Taylor spat out at his brother. She turned around in response. "No, he just knows that violence and childish fighting is not the way to get through to someone as closed minded as you. He loves the both of us too much to put either one of us through the pain of making him choose sides. Until you see that Taylor, I feel sorry for you. If you could just let go of your narrow minded views and open your eyes you would realize how much he hurts when you turn off your love for him." Her words steady but her eyes wept for all the sorrow she knew Zac was harboring. Before Taylor could say any more she stalked off toward the house, the family parting soundlessly as she passed. Zac stood for a moment, watching her go. He turned to his brother, meeting his eyes. The pain so deep in his brown eyes it startled Taylor. He faltered in his facade of anger for a moment. Wanting to reach out to his brother, soothe his heart. But Zac just looked away from him, couldn't face him, the brother that he loved so dearly. He trotted off after Moirah, one last look over his shoulder so filled with pain it pierced Taylor's heart. Zac disappeared inside the house. His faint call to her lost in the echoes of the quiet house as Taylor began to pace back and forth over a short distance in the drive. A primal scream escaping his throat as he slammed the door of the truck shut, his fist beating into the glistening metalic blue until it smeared with red from his bloodied knuckles. His father reached from behind him and stopped his fist from slamming into it anymore. He held him in his arms like he used to when he was a child. His sobs were silent, but more painful than any he had ever cried before. "Moirah?" His voice soft, he called to her through the door. "In a minute." Came her reply. He hung his head, hearing the pain so evident in her words, even through her barely audible tone. He heard the water run for a moment then the door pushed open. He backed away to let her emerge. "Ok?" He asked gently, taking her in his arms. She nodded, the quiver in her lip barely perceptable. Her eyes lied about her being fine. There was so much hurt laying in them, he wanted to die. "I'm sorry baby, I never thought Tay could ever be so hurtful." He hushed against her hair. She tightened her grip on him, sniffling a bit. Pressing her face to his chest she spoke quietly. "I know he only said those things out of anger, and I forgive him for that because we are all human after all. It's hard to control our emotions and sometimes they get the best of us." He pushed her away, looking down into her watery green eyes. "How can you be so forgiving after the things he said?!" He demanded to know. "I know that there is something else behind the hateful words. I know he is struggling with something that frightens him so much he feels the need to lash out. I was just his target because he sees me as a threat of some sort." She told him. He walked her to the bed, sitting her gingerly on the edge. He knelt down before her, cradling her soft cheek in his palm. He stared into her eyes with such intensity it burned her brain. "Make me understand." He asked. A hint of a sad smile flickered over her features as she stroked his hair away from his face. She tugged the band from her own hair quickly. Leaning toward him she pulled his hair together. He bent forward so she could secure it into a tail as she sighed. She let go of his hair and leaned back a bit. His arms circled around her waist, laying his head on her lap as he waited for her to sort the words out in her head to explain it all to him. He had all the patience in the world now. He had to, he needed to fix this. He could not live without either of his loves. Her small hands smoothed over his arms and shoulders that ached from the tenseness of before. "Zac, I think he's jealous." She stated softly, her words very sure. He sat up on his knees, looking into her face. The confusion was clearly written on his face. "You mean he's trying to break us up so he can have you? Pretty stupid way to make you fall for him if you ask me." He said with doubt. She shook her head, sliding her hands into his on her lap. "No. I mean he's jealous that I'm taking you away from him and that you have something he doesn't." Her words were quiet, but the meaning behind them were comming out loud and strong. Suddenly everything was illuminated for him. He would be willing to bet that she had hit upon the exact reason why Taylor was acting the way he was, even if he didn't even realise it yet. All he could do was nod. He was stunned over her clear revelation. The question was, now what were they going to do about it? She slid off the bed and into his arms. She had been strong for so long, now she let the tears loose. Trying to free her soul of the pain those sharp words had inflicted. Not Taylors words, her own. She still wasn't any closer to knowing how to make him see things in the light of reason of what was shared between she and Zac. How could she prove to him that she wanted in no way to be detrimental to their relationship. How could she make him see that he was loved as much as she was by Zac. How could she show him that there was a solution to all of these problems if she herself didn't know the answers? She cried to release her pent up emotions before she had to steel herself once more and go back into the fray for round two of the greatest fight of her life. She would fight until the bitter end for his love if she had to. She vowed it to herself as Zac sat rocking her back and forth in his arms as they huddled together on the floor. "Shhh... we'll fix this baby, we'll find a way. Don't cry, you're breaking my heart!" He whispered against the side of her neck. She squeezed him tighter as her sobs lessened. She drew her strength from him, quieting to a few sniffles. Still, he rocked her, cradling her in his protective embrace from the rest of the world until she was ready to face it once more. Taylor's head lay in his mothers lap, her embrace soothing as she stroked his forehead, pushing his hair from his eyes. He may have looked silly, a grown man cowering in his mothers apron so to speak, but he was near a nervous breakdown after the realization of what he had done hit him. His father paced over the floor before him, his usual worried face pasted on. Taylor watched him through blurry eyes, back and forth, back and forth. He knew his father was biting his tongue over the situation. For that he was relieved. Isaac sat stoicly in a chair across the room, brows knit in thought. His brothers lips drawn into a tight line worried him, more than his fathers pacing. He was miserable, beside himself with grief over his outburst. He was wondering if Zac would ever speak to him again. If he would ever get the chance to appologize, if he could even bring himself to do that in the first place. His mind swirled with a million thoughts, none of them good. The whole house was deathly quiet. Even the children, relegated to the back yard under Jess's care as soon as the melee had started, they were all silent. Isaac shattered the illusion of time standing still with his soft words. "What happened Tay?" Taylor blinked, not knowing if those words were reality or fantasy until his brother edged to the front of his seat, elbows on his knees, reguarding him with a confusion of emotions washing over his face. "I... I just don't know." He whispered sitting up. His mother held his large hands in her small ones and he looked down to the bond. The only woman he had ever felt close enough to to be himself. He loved her more than life itself, would do anything for her. He couldn't bring himself to look into her eyes though. He knew that he would see the insurmountable ocean of pain behind her glittering eyes. Pain he himself had put there. His guilt welled up and stabbed at his heart. He hadn't meant to hurt his mother, he hadn't meant to hurt anybody. How did this happen? How did things get so out of control? How the hell was he going to fix this? Again it was Isaac who brought him back to the present. "What made you do it Tay?" Isaacs voice soft but words insistant. Taylor sighed heavily, lifting his head to look into the warm brown eyes he had trusted and loved all of his life. He swallowed thickly, pushing back the torrents of tears fighting to be released. "I was anxious for him to come home, he'd been gone longer than he should have. I... was worried. I called over to ask Jennifer if she had seen him on the odd chance he had stopped in. She said he was there, somewhere, for his truck was in the yard but he was off somewhere with Moirah. She hadn't seen them in sometime and didn't want to disturb their privacy. I... I was hurt when she said that and I got angry. I admit that it was probably wrong of me, but I didn't like being pushed away. I was waiting for him, sitting in the livingroom watching for his truck. I saw him pull in and was relieved immediately. The hurt was going away and I knew we would talk and he would have a good reason for his excuse. But... but then he was taking a long time to come in the house. I... I went out to see what was taking so long 'cause I wanted to talk to him." His voice shakey now he rubbed at his eyes with the heel of his left hand. His mother wrapped the wet towel around his right hand tighter to fill in the silence. His words came out through the choke, strangled and broken. "He... he was kissing her. I mean... he was really kissing her... like he was lost in her... something inside of me snapped and I... I... I don't know what made me do it." His chin dropped to his chest his words barely heard in the screaming silence. "I pulled him away from her, out of the truck by his hair. I... I just wanted him away from her. Something terrible came over me when he just looked at me from the ground where I had thrown him. I wanted to drag her out and shake her infront of him. Yell at him to make him see what was tearing us apart. The music, the friendship... the love. I felt like it was fading away so fast and she was sucking it all up so I couldn't have any. I... I didn't mean what I said. I was just hurt! I wanted to hurt her back." His admission fell from his mouth as he was realizing it. It stung to speak the words for the truth was sharply cutting into his tongue. But as his mouth bled his confession, his heart lightened of it's burdon. Now he knew, he understood. He saw a glimmer of hope that there was a path to take to get back to where he was before all of this started. He looked up, his gaze darting from face to face to face of the three witnesses to his epiphany. "Help me." He whispered pleadingly, arms open in a gesture of want. His mother fell into his embrace, sobbing against his chest. Her words strongly reassuring. "We love you Jordan, all we've ever wanted to do was to help you." For the first time in a long time he felt hope on his horizon as he held his mother. A strange silence enveloped the room for a short time after that until a soft voice was heard clearing their throat. Everyone looked up to see Jess standing in the door, Zoe hiding behind her. Jess's voice was quiet and unsure as she adressed the room. "Is it ok? Zoe was worried that Zac was going to hurt Tay. She was crying because she thought Zac wasn't going to love us anymore and move away." Zoe edged out from behind her big sister. "I don't want Zac and Moirah to leave. I would cry too much." Her little voice shook with her worry. Taylor let go his mother and hurried to kneel before the child. He wrapped her in a comforting hug. "It's ok Zozo. We're just mad but we still love each other. Zac would never stop loving you!" His tender words eased her aching heart. She pushed away from him, reaching for his hand. She cradled it in her own tiny hands as she stared at the bloodied towel. "But you're hurt. If Zac loves you then why did he hurt you?" She questioned, still not believing all he had told her. He lifted his little sisters chin, staring into her deeply worried eyes. "Zac did not do this to me. I did it to me." He told her. She narrowed her gaze, disbelief still prominent. "I was mad at myself and hit Zac's truck... a lot." He confessed. She dropped his hand gently, looking up into his face. Determination strong in her features. "You shouldn't get so angry. It's not good for you." She scolded. He chuckled despite the tears hanging in the corners of his eyes. "Now you tell me!" He teased, tickling her tummy to hear her giggle. She squirmed and ran away from him to the protection of her father. Taylors eyes locked with Jess's for a moment before he hauled himself up off the floor. She knew that things would be getting better, he could tell from the small smile she offered him with her warm eyes. He was loved, and he was grateful. He spied two more blonde heads on each side of the diningroom door, peeking in making sure the coast was clear. "No use in hiding, you may as well join us." He called to them. They stepped out together and approached him. Mac looking up at him with so many questions in his eyes. He had seen his brothers fight many times before, but never so severely. Taylor mussed up Mac's hair as he offered the boy a grin. "S'ok now." He toned. Mac nodded and smiled back a bit. Avie didn't say anything, just hugged him and walked away to sit in Ike's lap. Jess gave him an expectant look as she leaned in the doorway, her eyes darting toward the stairs. He lowered his eyes in acceptance trying to steady the roiling in his stomach. He knew he had to face the monster, stare into it's maw and come clean in his soul. He turned to the rest of the room, a heavy sigh escaping. He looked into each pair of eyes, regreting the sorrow he had placed there. "I... I'll be down in a bit." He announced. His father nodded then put Zoe back on the floor. Taylor turned and walked to his destiny, he only hoped Zac and Moirah would forgive him as quickly as the rest of the family had. Jess patted his shoulder subtly as he passed her. It gave him the strength he needed to do what was right. Now he faced his fears. And now he faced the future. But most importantly, he faced his brother... and the woman his brother loved that he would have to learn to accept. He thought it was probably the hardest thing he had ever had to do in his life so far... admit he was wrong. He approached the stairs to the guest room he knew he would find the two in. He didn't let himself hesitate for fear of giving in to the desire to run away. It was time to be a man. Step up and accept the consequences of his actions. He took the first few steps until his head was just below the opening. Reaching up he knocked on the wood frame set in the floor for the steps. His stomach churning in agony as he waited for a reply. "What?" His brothers deep voice was stoney and it sliced through his heart. "It's me." Taylor returned softly. "What do you want? Haven't you done enough already?" Zac spit back. He cringed at the anger in Zac's voice. He deserved every stong word he was sent, he knew it and that was why he pressed on. He sucked in a deep breath, plucking the courage from his deep seated love. "I... I've come to talk." He toned softly, wringing his hand around the bloody towel. "I think you've said more than enough." Zac's voice shot at him. Then he heard Moirah's soft lilt. "Zac... come up Taylor. I think we need to talk." She offered. "Oh alright!" He heard Zac give in through a growl. He took a tenative step, his head popping up he almost felt as if he should duck for fear of his brother knocking it off his shoulders. He navigated the last of the steps and stood before them. Head bowed and hands clasped behind his back. Moirah looked up to him, for such a tall man he seemed small and child like in his stance. It was a simple gesture in body language that he was here for atonement. She took pity on him. "Sit down, it looks as though you're ready to work things out reasonably." She declared. He raised his eyes, watching his brothers reaction to her words. He seemed to agree silently. As he took a small step closer, he saw Zac's embrace tighten around Moirah more as he sat up taller from his positon on the floor. He understood. He didn't blame Zac at all for being protective of her after the way he had tried to treat her... had treated her. He went to the window seat and folded his frame into it. When he set his hands in his lap he heard her soft exclamation. "Taylor! What happened to your hand? Are you alright?" She gasped in real concearn. He looked up from the floor and into her face as she wriggled out of Zac's arms. He reluctantly let her go and leaned toward Taylor. She crawled up to him and tenderly lifted the towel. "I'm ok. I just... I was... mad. At myself. I... I sorta punched Zac's truck door..." He admitted shamefully. She unwrapped the towel, getting up from her knees she went to the small bath and rinsed out the cloth. "Well that was stupid." Zac said bluntly. "No shit." Tay smally smiled waiveringly. He was gaining hope for Zac seemed to be receptive of him. Moirah returned with the cloth and placed it back over his knuckles. It was cold and stung some. He sucked in his breath quickly but ignored the pain. "Thank you." He spoke genuinely. She smiled down at him. A real smile. Not large, but not too small either. She really did care. Even after all he had done to her. He couldn't figure out why, but he was grateful for it. He watched her sit on the edge of the bed, Zac leaning against the bed facing him with his arm draped over her leg. Zac's head tilted and lay over her knee, her hand abscently stroking his hair, he closed his eyes wearily. Zac sighed. "So what do you have to say Tay?" His voice sounded ancient and tired. Taylor swallowed, swallowed the lump of seeing his brother so cold to him, swallowed his pride for real this time as he came crawling to beg forgiveness he didn't deserve. "I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean what I said. And.. it was wrong of me to treat you so violently. And the things I said were..." "Taylor, I forgive you of that." She broke in. Stunned with her admission he looked at her mutely. Zac's eyes were now on him, studing him, boring into him. "Why? Why should you forgive me so easily? I was a bastard for the wicked things I said to you." He asked incredulously. Zac sat up, pushing himself away from her, towards him. He reached across the space between them, his warm hand comming to rest on his knee he looked into his brothers eyes. "Because she understands and she cares about you Tay. She always has since before she met you." Zac's words tore at his heart. How could he have been so cruel to this woman? Taylor gripped his brothers hand desperately. "I'm sorry I was so jealous, too blind to see everything so plain in front of my face. It's just that it was hard to let go of Ike before, that last little bit of bond we held before he moved out. I... I just couldn't face that again. I couldn't loose both of you. I need you, you're part of who I am! You make me real!" He wept. He didn't care if Hanson men didn't cry, it hurt him to spill this into the swirling seas of sorrow spanning the rift between he and his loved ones. He needed to admit it, he needed to say it, he needed to let it out. Zac pulled him into his arms, embracing him fiercely. He poured all of the love he had for the man he called brother into his touch. "Tay, you won't ever loose me! And you haven't lost Ike either... I know you've been pouring your heart out to him. It was me you were fighting with so that only left Ike. You know we are way tighter than that. We could never be seperated in our hearts!" His words, loyal, loving, and ringing true in Tay's ears. He pulled away, blue piercing brown. He knew it now. "I just love you man." He said softly. Zac grinned. "I know, I'm irresistable!" He smirked. All three of them laughed. It felt good to laugh again, really laugh from the inside. His heart was cleansed and his mind free of burdon Taylor pulled out of Zac's grip. He rose and knelt before Moirah, opening his arms in hope. She accepted his hug and gulped down the sob when his gentle voice fell on her ear. "Welcome to the family." Through all the chaos dinner had been forgotten until Mac loudly heralded that he was 'starving!' The volley of laughter that filled the room was a welcome sound in the house that had previously been veiled in anxiety and dispair. Surprizingly enough Diana gave in to pleas for pizza. "Come on bro, lets go snag us some pies." Zac asked as he squeezed Tay's shoulder. Tay turned and looked up to his brother. His smile so wide it hurt, but it was a welcome pain. "You bet." He replied, standing up from the couch. The joyous tears in his mother's eyes did not go un-noticed when she passed him on her way to call in an order for their dinner. He felt so lightheaded since the three of them had come down stairs to join the family in the livingroom. So many fears had been assuaged it felt miraculous that they could interact like they used to. It was almost like it all had never even happened, except that Moirah was now a part of the unit. He was still uneasy about things with her, but he was committed to trying to smooth out all the wrinkles between he and she. He passed a grateful grin to Isaac as he headed to the door. Isaac had been there for him all along, he'd never even realized it. He had been so foolish, but he was done with that now. He would have to take Ike aside later and have a heart to heart with him. It was long overdue. Taylor stood in the hall, coat in hand as he waited for Zac. His brother appeared shortly, handing him a slip of paper with the number for their order that his mother had given him. Taylor turned to go out the door but noticed that Zac was not following him. He turned back around and watched him as he quickly entered the livingroom, stooping to reach Moirah's lips for a tender farewell kiss. Her small smile when Zac stood back up was something Taylor had never noticed before. She was beautiful, but it came from inside her. Zac stepped up to him, laying a hand on his shoulder to gain his attention. "What are you grinning at?" He asked. Tay shook his head, his eyes meeting Zac's. "Nothing little brother. Let's book it." He answered. Shrugging Zac accepted it and followed his brother outside. As they headed down the walk a thought struck Tay. "Umm... Zac, I think we better take my car." He announced. "Why?" Zac querried. "Well, cause... I dented your door and there's still blood on it." He admitted. It surprized him when Zac's laughter rang out in the twilight. He turned to look at him as if he were a lunitic. Catching his breath Zac slung his arm over Tay's shoulder. "We'd better take your car then. Can't you just see it now? All the headlines screaming 'Hanson brothers busted for hit and run!' Our album sales would sky rocket with our new admiration from the line of convicts waiting their turn to have you as their bitch!" He roared. Taylor pushed him off and slugged him in the arm. His grin wide and dazzling. Oh yes, things were back to normal between the brothers. Life was gonna be good now. The evening was relaxed and pleasant for they all watched a movie together polishing off quite a few pizzas. As Moirah and Diana were cleaning up the destruction left behind, Walker announced bed time for the younger set. Many a protest were given up. Eventually though they gave in to the inevitable. "Zaccy, would you put me to bed tonight?" Zoe asked as she climbed into his lap. She had been sort of clingy since the whole blow up and he understood. Taylor had told him about her worries while they were out of the house. "You know I will Zozo." He offered. "Now go kiss Mom goodnight and I'll meet you at the stairs." He ordered. She scampered off and he hauled himself up off the couch. Zoe was known to be affectionate so he knew he had time to just mosey to the foot of the stairs where he had promised to wait for her. She came back from the kitchen and passed right by him. He leaned to look in the door of the livingroom and watched her give out hugs and kisses equally to Ike, Tay and Jess. She neared him again and once more she passed him by. He chuckled, watching her pull Moirah out of the kitchen by her hand and placing her next to the table. Zoe pulled out a chair and climbed up to stand in it, reaching out to Moirah with open arms. Moirah laughed and hugged the child, reciving a short peck on the cheek and returning one. Zac couldn't help but laugh, standing on the chair, it wasn't a whole lot, but, Zoe was taller than Moirah. She really was very short. Zoe jumped down and raced up the stairs past him. Shaking his head he mounted the steps in pursuit. Before he got to the top of the stairs he heard her call from the door of Mac's room. "Night Daddy!" He watched her scramble into her room, apparently the little ball of fire had already made the rounds while his lazy bones were still treking up the stairs. He entered her room and laughed. She was in the middle of undressing, her shirt caught on her hair and covering her head, she was struggling from inside. He pulled her hair from the fabric and yanked the top off. She grinned up at him. He retrieved a nightgown from the drawer and pulled it over her head while she shimmied out of her jeans. She sat down to peel off her socks. Squatting down he took the clips out of her hair. She stood up again and ran for the brush on her dresser while he sat on her bed. She crawled up between his knees and turned her back to him. He hummed softly as he worked out the tangles. His tender tone filling the room. His fingers moved over the cornsilk curls and plaited it in one long thick column. Holding the end with one hand he delved into his pocket for an elastic. He leaned back, searching deeper. Comming up empty, he shrugged to himself and pulled the band from his own hair. As he fastened it over the end of her braid he spoke to her in a quiet tone. "Don't forget to brush your teeth, what book do you want?" She turned to him, a thoughtful look in place. "Cinderella!" She exclaimed after a moment. He grinned at her, it was one of her favorites and he knew she would want that one, she always did when he put her to bed because she liked it when he used different voices for all the characters. "Fine then, you go brush and I'll get the book." He told her. She was out the door like a shot. He laughed as he went to her bookcase and located the tale. He was going to hate to see her grow up. Wasn't it just yesterday when he was reading to Mac? Or Avie? When had they grown out of bedtime stories? Where had all the time gone? He walked to the door to wait for her return and noticed Jess comming down the hall, ear glued to the phone, then she went into her room. He smiled at himself, remembering when she had come out of that room this morning. She was so much a woman now, it sort of scared him. If he was pondering lately about the state of his siblings growing up... what must it feel like for his parents? They were all getting older and things were changing, some gradualy, others so fast he had to think twice about what was new. Zoe bounded out of the bathroom towards him and he forgot all about his philisophical debate in his mind. He smiled down at her, then swept her up and carried her into her room, throwing her on the bed. Watching her bounce and giggle he laughed himself. Some things in life one just had to enjoy while they could. He was going to take advantage of Zoe's youth, savor it and hold it close for later on when he needed to pull out a memory so sweet it would make him ache. Tonight he would live life at it's best. Sharing love. He kissed his sleeping baby sister goodnight on her forehead and turned out the light. He sighed at the doorway as he looked back at her. The soft glow of her nightlight cast over her angelic face. No matter how much he wished it weren't true, everybody had to grow up sometime. He left the door ajar and headed back to the stairs. The smell of popcorn draged him down the steps as he met his mother comming up. "Kinda early for bed aint it Ma?" He asked, checking his watch. She smiled up at him, stroking his cheek. The warmth of her love shone brightly in her eyes. She pushed his hair back over his shoulders as he leaned down for her to kiss his forehead. "I have mending to tend to. Your father is watching the news in our room, everyone else downstairs is watching some nasty horror movie." She cringed, his mother was not a big fan of gore. "Oh." He replied. "Do you want me to mend your black jeans?" She asked. Smiling down at her he shook his head. "No, that's ok Ma. I'll do it later myself, you have enough to do already. Besides, it was my stupidity that split the seem, I should be the one to fix 'em." He offered back. She patted his broad shoulder, heading onward up the stairs. "You're a good boy Zac." She stopped and turned back around to look at him once more. He couldn't read the expression on her face but it somewhat resembled wistful. She smiled a tiny bit and again she took the stairs. He stood for a moment, gripping the banister as he thought. He wondered why she had looked at him that way. He shrugged and jumped down the stairs, the scent of popcorn was torturing him. He slipped into the room and leapt onto the couch between his two brothers. They were so engrossed in the movie that it startled them and they both let out a little yelp. Zac threw his head back in a blast of mirth. It was short lived though for both of his older brothers pounced on him from either side. They wrestled him to the floor and he was having a difficult time staving off the attack of them both at the same time. Somehow he managed to gain his footing and stood, a brother hanging on each arm. He looked up and saw a widely grinning Moirah in the door way. "Help me baby! No fair two on one!" He pleaded as he struggled against them. She rushed up to him and he thought he would be able to tip the scales in his favor once more with her help. That was a sorry mistake! Immediately she was attacking him too. She tickled him under his shirt, making him squirm and writhe. "Stop! Stop! No fair! Uncle! I Said Uncle!" He cried out between snorts of laughter. She backed off, Ike and Tay standig on either side of him, still holding his arms though he was no longer struggling. His ragged breath slowed to somewhat normal as he bent a bit to rest. They had a tight grip on him but he was quick and he was strong. He gathered his strength and hauled them both around in front of him until they thudded together like sides of beef in a cold house. The groans were genuinely painful when they lost their grip and fell to the floor between Zac and Moirah's feet. Zac laughed as he looked down at them. "No fair ganging up on me!" Then he looked up to her. "And you! I'll deal with you later!" He laughed. She grinned at him. He reached a hand out to each brother on the floor, yanking them back up on their feet. Isaac groaned, rubbing his head where it had hit the floor. "Remind me never to do that again." He whined. Taylor chuckled despite the ache he was rubbing on his ass. "Tell me about it. When will we learn? The fricken brat wins every time!" He moaned. "Are you boys quite through? Your brother and sisters are trying to sleep upstairs you know." Walkers stern voice came from the doorway behind Moirah. They all whirled around to see their father standing in the hall, glass of water in hand. His sarcastic grin told them that he was warning them to behave but he wasn't angry. He was just happy to see his boys back to being themselves. The tension they had all endured was strainful enough, now it was time to get on with life. "Sorry Dad." Came a harmonious chorus. His grin cracked wide. Even in something as simple as that act, their connection was evident. He was so used to them speaking in unison, filling in each others sentences, he hadn't even realized that he had been missing it lately until he heard those three precious voices almost sing out in natural harmony with those two little words. Truely, they were music to his ears. For sake of sanity, and in fear of their fathers wrath, they all settled down again. Tay and Ike plopped down on the couch, a murmer of painful groans hitting the air. Zac grinned. Moirah gasped lightly and slapped his stomach, shutting up the giggle she knew was comming next. Ike chuckled at them as Zac looked down at her, a grin smeared over his lips and twinkle in his eye. Moirah just rolled her eyes and went to the kitchen. Flopping in the chair, Zac sighed. It had been an incredibly long day and the adreniline high was starting to ware off. He cast a look over at his brothers and they shared a knowing smile between the three. Tay picked up the remote that had been tossed during the fray and put it back on the chanel they had been viewing before. Silent save for the screen, the three brothers relaxed into a quiet contentment. Moirah came back soon after all had grown still. She lugged a part of a six pack of Dr. Pepper on her index finger while she gripped two huge bowls of popcorn. She first handed Ike one bowl and waited as Tay removed two sodas from the plastic rings hanging off her fingers. She turned around and slung her hip out. Ike laughed and nudged Tay, making him see what he saw. Tay laughed and reached forward. Zac wondered what was so funny. His brows knit in puzzlement as he watched Tay reach for her ass... and lean back with a bag of M&M's! He too joined the laughter. She grinned at him as he shook his head. She sauntered up to him, thrusting the bowl to him before she turned around. He plucked the second bag of candy from her back pocket and made sure to grope her. She giggled and sank to the floor. He nestled the bowl between his knees and tore open the bag, spilling the contents into the bowl. "You're weird, why do you mix it?" Tay asked from across the room. Zac looked up and took the open soda Moirah offered from in front of him on the floor. She laughed through her soda. "That's not weird." She claimed. Ike chuckled. "Don't tell me, you do it too?" He accused. She nodded and they all laughed softly. "I never thought I'd see the day when we would meet someone as strange as Zac!" Ike exclaimed. The laughter growing a bit more, then dieing down as the movie returned from the comercials. Moirah sat on the floor, leaning against Zac's leg and scarfing popcorn and M&M's while the movie rolled in front of her. Halfway through the film he handed her the empty bowl and she set it on the floor. She picked up her drink, but it was empty. She waited for another comercial break. "Anybody else want another drink?" She asked. She looked over to a snoozing Ike and smiled. Her eyes rested on Taylor, catching his attention. He nodded. "Water, please?" He whispered. She nodded back and turned to Zac. Shaking his knee, he then looked down at her. "Oh, umm... whatever." He answered and turned back to the ever so interesting world of the shread - matic. She smiled and rose from the floor, collecting the empty refuse she headed to the kitchen. When she came back the movie had already come back on. She silently handed Tay his water bottle and he grinned at her in thanks. That felt good, for both of them. It was tiring to be mortal enemies. She smiled back and moved across the room. She made a move to reclaim her spot but Zac pulled her down to his lap. She grinned at him and took a swig of the bottle of water, then handed it to him. He did likewise and set it on the floor beside his chair. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against his chest. She snuggled into his embrace, throwing her legs up over the arm of the chair to face the screen more. A soft kiss breezed over her temple and she watched the tv until she drifted off. A strangled scream tried to rip free of her throat as she bolted up in bed. Quakeing, her eyes darted about as they focused. Her gaze raking over the shadowed objects of the room searching out something familiar. Her vision grasping at the form of her art supplies stacked in a pile on the window seat she then realized where she was. It was a dream, it was all just a terrible dream. She shivered as she tried to get the twisted images out of her head. Her vivid imagination had been working overtime fueled from the release of stress she recently felt and that horrific movie the guys had watched last night. She was still spooked as her flesh was dotted with chill bumps. Trembling, she crept out of bed. She looked down when she felt the cool breeze slide over her legs. She didn't even remember comming to bed let alone dressing for slumber. Slipping into a pair of flannel p.j. bottoms she realized she still had her bra on. She chuckled. No wonder she didn't remember comming to bed. It was obvious that Zac had carried her to her room, dressed her for bed and tucked her in. She never left her bra on at night. Grateful for such a loving man in her life her smile widened as she snuck down the stairs. Her stomach was on fire and she knew Walker had a bottle of something or other on the top of the fridge. She had seen him indulging in a pastrami on rye and later on cursed himself as he guzzled the chalky pink goo. The bottom stair groaned in the dead silent night the house was imersed in. Stopping short she listened to see if she had woke anyone. Nothing but light snoring came to her ears. She peeked into the livingroom, following the muted chainsaw. She giggled to herself. Poor Ike, he had conked out long before the movie was over and she guessed Tay had thrown an old quilt over him for the night and left him on the couch. He looked tangled and quite uncomfortable. she wondered how anyone could possibly sleep like that. Shaking her head she left the poor man to his slumber, awkward as it was. Stealthily she entered the kitchen. Stretching up on tiptoe she reached for the top of the fridge and felt around for the bottle. "What are you doing up?" A deep voice in her ear asked. She let out a scream but it was soon suffocated by a rough paw over her mouth. "Shhh... baby it's just me!" He hissed. Her eyes wide in fear then in relief she slumped against Zac's chest. He took his hand from her lips and cradled her. She was shaking, her breathing rapid and he could feel her heart pounding. "I'm so sorry Moirah. I didn't mean to frighten you." He pleaded forgiveness. She sucked in a breath, straightening up and letting go her deathgrip of his arm. "It's ok, not your fault. It's just that I had a nightmare wake me up and then you were behind me in the dark and it was unfamiliar..." She rambled softly. He smiled down at her even though he knew she couldn't see him. "I'm still sorry honey." He admitted. She squeezed him, acceptance of his appology. He chuckled. "You still haven't answered my question yet." He told her. She squinted in the dark, trying to see his velvet eyes. "I'm not feeling well. I was looking for your Dad's stuff he has stashed up on top of the fridge for his stomach. He leaned forward, reaching down the bottle and handing it to her. "Sure, you're tall, you could see it. I'm at a major disadvantage in this house. Everything is for tall people!" She teased. He laughed, drawing her nearer. He loved the smell of her hair the intoxicating aroma of her skin. He breathed her in deeply. His desire igniting for her. Splaying his fingers against her jaw he tilted her head up to meet his hungered lips, his thumb stroking over her delicate cheek. She sighed into his mouth, making him tremble with want of her. Her tongue danced provocatively over his and he whined from the ache of needing her. Her little fingers grazed over his abdomen and stroked his stiff member through the thin cloth as she lapped at one of his brown nipples. He groaned, his knees going weak on him, he reached out one hand and leaned against the fridge. "Shit baby that feels good!" He breathed hard. Her thumbnail bumped over the ridge of his cockhead and he wimpered. She was sucking at his throat, her full breasts pressed to him, dipping her hand into the flimsy boxers. Her cold fingers on his heated rod made him moan as he pressed his mouth into his shoulder to stifle the sound. Then he heard the distinct noise of the creaky board infront of the bathroom door. "Fuck!" He breathlessly whispered. She quickly removed her hand from his crotch. They both stood stone still for fear of being caught in a compromising position. He could hear Ike shuffling through the hall as he yawned. When he heard the groaning springs of the couch as Ike threw himself back down on it his body slumped. He held her close, whispering in her ear so quietly she had a hard time hearing what he said. "Come on, it doesn't take him long to get back to sleep." He said, tugging on her hand toward the door. She pulled back, not wanting to risk it. He stopped and stepped back to her, once more leaning down to her ear. "What's the matter?" He asked. She stood on tiptoe, grasping his bare shoulder as she reached up to his ear with her lips. "Too soon, we'll wake him up. Besides, I still have heartburn." She pointed out. She could feel his shoulders shake in a silent laugh. He stood up and handed her the bottle from the counter where she had placed it when he had been distracting her. Reaching over he switched on a tiny nightlight similar to Zoes. From it's position over the stove it illuminated a good portion of the room. Now she could see his easy grin as she took a swig of the gawd awful tasting crap labled medicine by some quack. She shuddered in disgust and screwed the cap back on, handing it back to him to replace in it's proper spot. He loomed over her and pressed her backside to the counter as he dipped to take her mouth. He quickly pulled away. "Christ! That shit tastes horrible!" He cried softly. She giggled, covering her mouth to try to catch the sound. He stepped away from her and yanked the fridge door open. The room flooded with soft light from it's interior. As he was grabbing the jug of milk she spied a rather large bowl on the table, conspiciously placed in his favored spot, filled with a mountain of icecream. She turned to him to tease him but choked on her words as she watched him tip up the full gallon of milk and chug it directly from the container. Her eyes grew large when she witnessed him swill back half the jugfull. Watching his adams apple bob up and down was hypnotizing her. She shook her head to gain control. An evil grin sprouted on her face and she reached out to pinch is belly. He snorted in laughter, milk spilling out as he tried to pull the opening away from his mouth. He coughed and sputtered a bit but his eyes were merry in mischief. "Are you trying to kill me? I almost choked to death!" He whispered harshly through his grin. Her eyes flashed with emerald fire and she bent toward him. Her tongue lapping a long line up from his navel to swirl over a nipple. Her hot tongue gliding over the cold milk spilled down his front made his head spin. Wiping her tongue up his throat and over his jaw, dipping into the little cleft on his chin. Blindly he shoved the milk onto the counter as they stood before the open refridgerator. He panted heavily when she passed the tip of her tongue over his lower lip then sucked it in between hers, slowly. Oh the sweet torture! Both of her hands dove into the waistband of his boxers, the chill of her fingerstips against his ass made him rock hard. She shoved him backward roughly and he stumbled until he hit the edge of the table. He bent to her and picked her up. Laying her over the surface he shoved the bowl of melting icecream out of the way, slopping some over the table top. Spreading her legs he pressed to her. Feeling her heat against his. He pushed at her t-shirt as his mouth ravaged hers. His big hands and large fingers fumbled with the lacey bra beneath until he had unleashed his prize. He ground his hips into hers, rolling his sticky fingers around the tight peaks of her breasts. He placed sucking little kisses down the side of her neck, making her buck at him. His tongue lashed out, whipping at her sweet nipples. Deciding he enjoyed the flavor very much so, he dipped his fingertips into the bowl above her head once more and smeared it over her hot skin with calloused hands. She arched her back in pleasure and moaned softly to him when once more his mouth tasted at the exquisite combination of a chocolate dipped Moirah. Love could never be any sweeter. He reached for her flannel bottoms, tugging at them to reach into her panties. Her body stiffened and she grabbed his hand. "Zac! We can't do this here!" She panted. He knew she was right, but his body seemed to have a mind of it's own. "God baby! I... I don't know if I can stop!" He cried out. He could feel her clit rubbing against his cockhead and he was dizzy in bliss. She pushed at him, her tiny hands against his shoulders, her voice pleading with him. Trying to get through, break through the fuzzy sexual haze he was spiraling through. "Zac! This is your *Mother's* table!" She harshly whispered. Something inside him snapped and everything came into focus again. He stared down at her, his expression one of shock. "My god! I can't believe I almost did that!" He breathed out, pushing himself away from her. She sat up and stroked his cheek. His eyes caressed hers. He knew she understood, and he hated himself for what he had almost done. But it was no use beating himself up over it. He groaned in agony silently. His punishment the excrutiating ache in his groin. He helped her from the table and together they scrubbed the kitchen clean again from after their 'almost' escapade. He decided he *really* needed to buy a house. He turned out the little light over the stove and walked her back upstairs, deciding it would be best to part at the top of the stairs for the sake of restraint. "Good night love." Her sweet whisper permeated his soul. "Night Moirah. I love you." He answered and watched her walk away. Whistling a little ditty that was rattling inside his head he sauntered down the stairs. Popping through the dinningroom door he sang out. "What's for break.... fast?" His voice trailing off as he saw his mother clearing away the last of the breakfast dishes. He threw his gaze to the clock on the wall that he could see through the kitchen door. He hadn't realized that he'd slept in that late. His mother grinned at him when she entered the room once more, a box of cereal in hand with a bowl, spoon, and a half a gallon of milk. She sat them down pointedly in his usual spot. He smiled at her sheepishly. "Sorry Ma. I'll run down and pick up some more as soon as I'm done." He offered. "You can't do that." She stated back as she watched him pour milk into his bowl. "Why not?" He asked as he opened the box of cereal and added it to his bowl. "Because you have no truck." She stated simply and turned to leave. He jumped up and leaned over the table to catch her elbow. "What?!" He cried out. She chuckled and picked his hand off her arm. "Moirah took it to the garage to have the door tended to." She informed him as she shot a pointed look towards Taylor who was sipping his morning coffee over the paper. He lowered his eyes back onto the paper in respect of her and his own guilt. "She did?" He cawed out. His mother snickered. "What are you a mina bird?" She asked. He grinned back and sat down once more. A grin was shared between Tay and Zac as their mother left the two of them alone in the room. Through a mouthfull of oreo-oh's Zac sputtered out what resembled an intellible comment. "I hope you know you're gonna pay for that." He said without looking up from his breakfast. "No shit dip wad." Was Taylor's reply from behind his paper. Then all that was left was the sound of the two brothers sharing breakfast. ***** Zac was holed up in the corner of their studio, headphones pressed to his ears beneath his big mitts his head was bopping to a silent beat. Taylor was sitting at the keyboard, pen in hand furiously scribbling away as Isaac perched on a stool restringing an old accoustic. Things were quiet that morning and had been running quiet smoothly. A faint melody invaded Tay's thoughts and he growled when he realized that he was now writting the chords to the heard song instead of the one he had stuck in his head. He spun around in his chair to see Zac, pager in hand traipsing up the stairs. "Where the hell is he going? He's supposed to be listening to that track to find out what's wrong with the timing." He grumbled. Isaac looked up from his task and eyed his brother. Shrugging he turned to Tay. "I dunno." He said simply. Thaylor blew an exasperated sigh. "Must I do everything aroud here?" He said dramaticly. He pushed himself away in his chair and went after his brother. It wasn't hard to find him. Their parents had taken the rest of the herd out to the library to choose books for their weekly book reports, so the house was basicly silent. Except for an irritating tap of pencils on the table in quick procession of a heavy rock tune. He rolled his eyes and followed the telltale timpanologist trademark, the soft 'yeah's' under his breath that accompanied Zac's version of impromptu drumming. "So did he give you an estimate or was that the final bill after it was done?" He heard his brothers deep voice comming from the kitchen. "What do you mean you left it?! Honey! I could've fixed it myself with a rubber mallet! Don't let them screw you like that." Zac was on the phone and he didn't sound very happy. Taylor stepped into the room quietly and sat before his brother. They exchanged looks briefly before Zac spoke again. "No, no. Don't worry about it baby. If it's just the paint job then I'm not pissed. It's not your fault anyway. So are you stranded there? Do you need someone to come and get you?" He asked over the line. Taylor stole the pencil from his brothers fingers and copied his beat. "You sure? ... Well, ok then. You be careful and call me when you get to the house then. Tell Jen and Virginia I said hey and I'll talk to you then ok? ... I love you too. Bye." He pressed the button again tossed the cordless phone to the soft cushion of the chair next to him. He eyed Taylor and grinned. "Hundred n' fifty bucks mister. Cough it up." He informed him. Tay gaped at him for a moment then shook his head as he reached for his wallet. While Moirah toiled away in the kitchen at the old house, the brothers three worked like the devil at home. Avie called down the stairs to them. "Lunch guys!" Certainly everything was dropped quickly in favor of food. They raced upstairs and all piled into the diningroom shortly after. "Whoa, who traded you for starving imagrants?" Walker joked. They all rolled their eyes at their father's corny joke. "Well, I know Zac is always hungry, but what's your excuse then?" Walker directed towards his two eldest. Isaac shrugged noncommitally and Taylor opened his mouth to respond but Zac blurted out something instead. "Cuz he's got a tape worm?" The whole table laughed, even Taylor. Jess and Diana came into the room and set a large pan of manacotti on either end of the table. Immediately the three reached to fill their plates. Diana smacked Zac's hand away from the basket of garlic bread beside her. He recoiled his paw, a hurt look in his eyes. "What did I do?" He whined. She stared at him like he had two heads. "Since when do we begin a meal before everyone is at the table? Including guests!" She toned to him evenly, a force behind her voice. He fought the urge to roll his eyes. "Well you had breakfast without me this morning." He pointed out. His mother shot him a look that made him shut up in a hurry. He hung his head and spoke to the table. "Sorry Ma. She's not here." He appologized. She sighed. "And why not? It was only a dent and some chipped paint for heaven's sakes." She asked. He looked up at her. He hated to lie to her, but he had to this time. "She's in town, took the truck and went shopping or something or other. You know, girl stuff. She called and said she'd be home before dinner." He offered. She reached for his hand and rubbed gently over his knuckles as she gave him a tender smile. "Well, I'm sorry then. But next time maybe you'll remember to tell me? I worry about her as much as I do any of you." She said abscently as she passed him the basket he'd been after in the first place. He took it and passed it on without taking any for himself for he was lost in thought. His mother had just spoke of Moirah as if she were family. To him of course she had been for sometime. She was his other half. But to hear his mother, the authority on everything, the matriarch of the clan... well, that just made if really official. His grin was wide through lunch, and it wasn't just because his mom made the best damned mannacotti in Tulsa either. He helped clear the table and an idea hit him. When his mother came back into the kitchen with a handful of dirty plates he took them from her. As he rinsed the plates and handed them to her to put into the dishwasher he caught her attention. "What is it? I know you. You want to say something. So spit it already while I'm still young." She joked. He chuckled and dried his hands on the towel slung over her shoulder. He leaned on her shoulder. Hands tucked under his chin, he bent to be near her. She laughed softly as she turned her head to see his expression. "You're too big to do that anymore. Sit. Let me start this and we'll talk." She offered. He smiled and pecked her cheek before pulling out a kitchen chair. He leaned his elbow on the table top and set his chin in his palm. He felt a bit guilty as he remembered what had almost taken place on that same table just last night. He felt himself start to blush and pushed it away as his mother came toward him. He opened his arms to her and she stepped into his hug. He lay his head against her heart and listened to the strong beat before he sighed. She stroked his head, pushing his long hair back over his shoulders. "What is it dear?" She asked softly. He looked up at her from her chest and smiled. "I love you." He told her. She smiled broadly, a tear clinging to the corner of her eye. It never failed to fill her with imense joy each and every time one of her children said that. She brushed a kiss over his forehead and squeezed his broad shoulders. "I love you too baby." She cooed. He sat up and held her at arms length. "Mom? If you were gonna go on a date, a really nice one, where would you want to go?" He asked her suddenly. She giggled and shook her head. "I never thought I'd see the day when my Zac would become Mr. Romance. Have you been hanging around Ike to much?" She teased him. He rolled his eyes and sighed, letting her have her fun. Then he eyed her and she pulled together a straight face. "I'll make you reservations dear, you just get dressed and sweep Moirah off her feet." She smiled down at him. He grinned back up at her. "Did I ever mention that I've got the greatest Mom in the whole world?" He asked. She hugged him again and sent him off back to work. So her boy was a man now. She could live with that. She still had Mac after all. After throwing themselves into their work for a few hours it was more than evident that the three brothers needed to get out into the fresh air and release some energy. Easily agreed upon was a friendly game of horse in the driveway. The day was warm for spring and it didn't take long for them to start shedding shirts. Sometime later Isaac was ahead by two and up again. Zac and Tay stood by waiting for him to take his shot when Taylor started to laugh like a mad man. Isaac missed and grumbled in protest, shooting his brother a dirty look until he noticed Tay was pointing toward the other side of the wide drive. He turned around and Zac followed suit wondering what the hell was so damned funny. He chuckled himself. It was a sight to see, that was for sure. Moirah had arrived back... with his truck. She was so tiny he wondered how she had reached the pedals as they watched her back it into the space with apparent ease. He thought Isaac was going to pass out he was laughing so hard when she climbed down out of the truck. She knew they were laughing at her, and she took it good naturedly. "Sure, laugh now you yutz's, see if I give you what I bought for you today!" She teased. Instantly Tay shut up but Ike couldn't control his girly giggle. Zac bent to scoop up his discarded shirt, tucking into his back pocket he trotted over to help her. She reached up to the seat and hauled out her totebag and a bottle of water. He bent to peck her cheek and stole the water away, chugging it as he listened to her laugh. Polishing off the rest of it he tossed the empty bottle into the back of the truck, the bed already littered with a multitude of paraphenalia similar. He smacked his lips comicly and grabbed her roughly, pulling her to him. "Ewww! Gross! You're all sweaty!" She squealed as she shoved at his chest. He laughed and released her, then leaned against the truck. "So does that mean you don't want to go out to dinner with me tonight then?" He teased as he watched her turn back to the truck for shopping bags. She whirled around, a smile on her lips. "We're going out?" She exclaimed. He nodded. She took a step closer, her fingers walking up his chest. "You're a sweet talker, you know that don't you?" She purred. He chuckled, catching her fingers and bringing them up to his mouth for a loving kiss. She slid her hand out of his and smoothed it over his strong jaw. Her eyes lost in his as he bent to her then taking her mouth with his. "For the love of God! Get a room you two!" Isaac laughed out. Zac laughed against Moirah's lips and pulled away. He eyed his brother cockeyed. "You're one to talk brother." He snickered. "Hey!" Isaac cried. "No fair, she's not here for me to slobber over." He joked. They all laughed as Tay and Ike headed over, the game forgotten, they helped her carry the bags to the house. Zac set the bags down on the couch with the rest of them and yanked his shirt from his back pocket. He swiped at his sweaty chest and blew out a big breath. "Lord woman, did you buy out half of Tulsa?" He teased. Tay flopped down in a chair with a huge huff then broke out in laughter. "Don't push her man. She said she got presents... I for one want to stay on her good side." He informed them. Isaac chuckled as he leaned in the doorway. "Kiss ass." He teased. "Language!" Diana's voice came from behind him. He laughed and turned to his mother. "Sorry Mom." He grinned at her. She grinned back up at him and tweaked his nose as she passed. "Oh my, someone went shopping!" She exclaimed comming into the room. Moirah grinned up at her from the floor where she sat sorting out bags. "Where are the kids? I have something for them." She asked. "Oh dear, you didn't have to do that." Diana cooed. "I wanted to. I'm leaving in a couple of days and I wanted to get them something because I don't know when I'll be able to see them again. I'm going to miss them... a lot." She said, her voice getting softer and her eyes migrating from Diana to Zac. He could see her love and how much the thought of their parting was making her hurt. Just the mention of it tore at his heart. He needed to push it away, enjoy the here and now with her. "Presents!" He yelled so loud that the windows almost shook. They all laughed, Diana with her hand to her forehead, she sighed. "I've raised a monster!" If she had said anything else, it was lost for then the army invaded like a loud herd of buffalo. Zac had to laugh, at least his lungs were good for something. He watched in merriment as Moirah became the center of attention for the next half hour. She doled out the gifts with instructions to wait and do it all together to open the bags. There were a few moments of anticipation, then she smiled, leaned back and simply said. "Now." All hell broke loose. He had to admit, her approach on gift giving was a ton of fun. Also, her choice of selections were surprizingly well suited to each member of his family. He supposed that had to be from the countless hours they had spent on the phone. His family meant the world to him and he most likely talked about them a lot. After the cacaphony had passed and all the refuse gathered up his mother stood up. "That was almost like christmas! Thank you Moirah." She said, lovingly holding the other womans hand. Moirah smiled at his mother and he could see the affection they held for each other. He couldn't be happier. He knew they would all love her as much as he did. He just knew it. He glanced at his watch and cringed. They didn't have much time to get ready if they were going to make their dinner reservations. "Honey? We'd better get dressed if you still want to go out." He pulled her attention to him. His mother gasped. "Oh Lord! I forgot about the meatloaf!" She scurried out of the room, Zac's chuckles chasing her out. Moirah stood up and gathered up the few things she needed to take up to her room. Mac came up to her and tapped her shoulder as she was handing over the cargo to Zac. She turned and faced the boy, a question in her face. He grinned up at her, it reminded her for all the world of Zac. She couldn't help but grin back. He tossed his arms around her and hugged her brusquely. "Thank you!" He said enthusiasticly. She chuckled, returning the embrace. "You thanked me already." She reminded him. He let her go and looked into her face once more. "I know. It's just so cool I thought it deserved a second one." He announced. She laughed and hugged him to her, kissing the top of his head. "You're precious!" She cried. He grinned up at his brother when she let him go again. Zac grinned back. "Try'n to steal my woman now are you?" He joked. Mac rolled his eyes. "Yeah, aint I just Mr. Charming?" He joked right back sarcasticly. They all laughed then Mac pushed them toward the door. "Go, you're gonna be late." He urged. Laughing they both headed up the stairs. When he got to her room he set the bags on the windowseat. "Sweetheart, where are we going? I need to know what to wear." Moirah querried. He turned to her and scratched his head. "Well... I don't have to wear a tie. But, I do gotta look decent. Those were Mom's instructions. That help?" He asked. She chuckled. "Your mom made the reservations didn't she?" She guessed. He grinned and nodded. Even though he was still sweaty from earlier, she pressed to him. Her arms wrapping around his neck as he bent down to her. Just having her close was making him hard. "You're precious too." She purred. He growled back at her, thrusting his hips forward in a blantant action. "Such a naughty boy!" She teased as she swiveled her hips against his. Laughingly they kissed. She was always fun, even when she was horny. He just loved her even more. When they broke apart she stepped away from him, going to the drawers. "I know what to wear now. Don't you think you'd better go get in the shower in a hurry if you want your hair to be dry?" She asked. He groaned. "Sure! Get me hot and bothered then push me away. You're cruel woman!" He cried out dramaticly. She stepped back up to him, her fingers skimming over the prominent bulge behind his zipper. "We could do that... or, you could go get in the shower now and you can take me to dinner." She teased. He rolled his eyes and looked down to her. His grin escaping he sighed. "I still say you're mean." He pouted. She laughed. "Kill two birds with one stone. Go shower and jack off. Now get! I've got to get ready!" She shoved him toward the stairs. He laughed but his body lumbered forward. "I thought you loved me. Making a man beat off... what's this relationship comming to?" He teased. She laughed. As he took the first step down, he stopped and looked back at her as she was taking things from the drawer already. "I love you Moirah O'Hara." He said. She stopped and turned to him. Her expression so loving he could feel the warmth from across the room. "I love you too." She whispered. A last look to sustain him in her abscence and he left her. He hurried down the hall, rubbing at his restrained erection. He couldn't help himself. Everytime he got anywhere near her all he wanted to do was make love to her, show her how much he cared for her. Even the simplest of her touches could set him on fire. He darted into the bathroom and stripped out of his sweaty jeans. He turned on the water as he got out of the rest of his clothes and yanked the elastic from his hair. He took her advice and was already stroking his meat as he stepped into the shower. He could feel her on his fingers, eyes shut tight he even remembered how she tasted that afternoon in his old bedroom. He groaned with pleasure. His hand against the wall he leaned forward, head hanging as he panted. He bit his lip to stifle his cries of desire. Her image burned into his eyelids, she, the only thing he saw when his eyes were shut. Her soft voice rang in his ears, he could hear her calling out to him in her passion. Her taste, her touch, her scent... They each assulted him from his memories. The scortching water beat on his neck and shoulders, his hair a curtain like a waterfall as he brought himself off fast and hard. His belly burned with the ache of his impending release. Balls tight he grew weak in the knees when the flood of need raced up his cock. Her name escaped him as he lobbed four thick shots of cum toward the wall. He was dizzy with euphoria as he lay against the wall, panting and spent. When his breathing slowed some he pushed himself off the wall and stood on shakey legs. Pushing his hair back out of his face he heaved a great sigh. It was a relief certainly, but he still wanted her... nothing could compare to her. He bent and retrieved the shampoo. He had to hurry if he was going to make it on time. He wanted to take her out, be alone for a while. Time alone in that house was a treasure. He would have to cherish tonight, for most likely it would be the last time they could be alone together in a long time. He wanted to cry at the thought of having to be away from her. It was going to be so damned hard. But, she had her work, and he had his. For the first time ever he was not looking forward to touring. He didn't tarry in the shower, he wanted to get to her as soon as possible. When he was finnished he stepped out and wrapped a towel around his hips. A cursory pass of a towel over his locks and he reached for his toothbrush. When he was spitting out the toothpaste a knock came at the door. "What?" He grumbled through the foam in his mouth. "You almost done in there? I gotta go!" Came a voice. He rolled his eyes as he was rinsing out his mouth. Three bathrooms in that house and he still got interupted. He yanked the door open to Taylor as he wiped his mouth. "Hurry up, I aint done but you can go." He offered a bit annoyed. Taylor shoved past him and hurried into the small room. Zac threw the towel on the counter and fetched out his razor from the cabinette, avoiding his brother behind him taking a leak. He ran the hot water in the sink and slathered on some shaving cream. As he scraped at his throat and jaw he heard the flush then Taylor was shoving him aside. "Fuck man! Why don't you just slit my throat!" He growled. "Sorry." Tay responded as he quickly washed his hands. His eyes softened and he stopped, throwing his razor into the hot water. He turned to his brother and looked in his face. "You ok?" He asked gently. Taylor reguarded him for a moment then nodded his head. "Yeah. Just thinking I guess." He said meekly. Zac was sort of aware what it might be about and he lay his hand on his brothers shoulder. Taylor looked up into his brothers eyes and they both smiled. He didn't need to say it, but he did anyway. "I'll always love you man." Zac's voice was tender and filled with devotion. Taylor's smile widened and he gripped Zac's wet shoulder. "I know. It's just gonna take a while to get used to the fact that my little brother is in love. I mean... that's a head trip you know?" Tay confessed. Zac grinned. "I know, but I know you. You're gonna get used to it and forget all about ever being uncomfortable in this situation. We've been through a lot. This is just another thing we are going to experience in our lives. Life goes on." Zac told him with assurance. Tay nodded and gave a final squeeze to his brothers shoulder. He left him to finnish getting ready. When he wiped the last of the shaving cream from his jaw he stared into the mirror for a moment. Even to himself it was a headtrip. He was in love. Very much in love. He ginned at himself and reached for the hair dryer. Dressed, save for pulling his hair back, Zac left his room as he buttoned up the last button of the black silk shirt he'd hauled out of the back of his closet for the occasion. He hurried down the hall and stood at the top of the stairs as he tucked his wife beater in under his shirt. "Honey! Hurry up or we're gonna be late!" He bellowed. "In a minute! Keep your pants on mister!" She answered him from the guest room. He checked his watch again for the hundreth time and bounded down the stairs. He rummaged in the hall closet for his long leather jacket. "Ma! Where's my black jacket?" He yelled. She bustled out of the kitchen, wiping her hands as she went through the diningroom. She found her son with his head in the closet and sighed. They couldn't find the burning bush if it miraculusly appeared in the middle of the livingroom. She pulled at his huge arm and he retreated from the small space. Reaching in she found it immediately and handed it to him shooting him a glance. He grinned at her sheepishly and kissed her cheek. "Thanks." He muttered, throwing it over the newel post. She watched him as he went to the mirror in the hall and fingercombed his hair back. He pulled it back into a proper tail and fastened an elastic from his wrist around it's thickness. Checking his watch once more he sighed, turning to his mother. "You look nice dear." She said truthfully as she stepped up to him. Brushing a few stray hairs from his shoulders and smoothing out the fabric of his shirt she looked up to him. Her smile was almost sad but happy at the same moment. He wondered how she could pull that off so well. His father, phone in hand, was on his way to the kitchen to replace the cordless in it's proper place when he stopped. "Fancy!" He stated obviously. His dad was corny but lovable. Zac smiled... until she caught his attention from the corner of his eye. He lost his breath and his mouth hung open in awe as she floated down the stairs toward him. She stopped at the bottom stair and turned, looking over her shoulder to Diana. "Are my seems straight?" She asked, indicating her stockings. Walker whistled, cat call like and made her blush. Zac checked his chin for drool as he began to snap out of it. "Geez Dad, never took you for a leg man." He teased. Walker chuckled and pulled Diana to him. "Please say you'll go shopping with Moirah?" He begged. Moirah giggled and Zac groaned but Diana took her turn to blush. She didn't answer, only look up to her husband knowingly. Realizing that they were wasting time Zac stepped up to her to help her on with her wrap. "You sure that's enough? It's gotten kinda chilly out." He asked. She nodded and waited as he grabbed his jacket. He ushered her toward the door, turning back to his parents for a moment. "Don't wait up, we may do something after dinner. I don't know yet." He stated. He noticed his fathers arm tightened around his mothers waist a bit and they both smiled at him. "Have fun son." Walker said fondly. "You too dear." His mother said to Moirah. "We will, thank you." Moirah answered. "Night everyone!" He yelled to the household. A few almost audible replies sounded and he took it as a farewell. They left the house, headed down the walk in the twilight and he helped her into his truck. He chuckled. She looked to him with question. "Seems a shame that such a beautiful dress on a gorgeous woman has to arrive in a truck. I should have ordered a limo." He pondered. She smiled and stroked his cheek. "Then it wouldn't be us being us... the truck is who you are. And I love you just the way you are, truck, station wagon or old jalopy... I'd still love you and be proud to be seen beside you." She said softly. He pressed her hand to his cheek beneath his own and turned his head to kiss her wrist. "You're too good for me." He replied. She shook her head. "No, I'm just right for you." She answered. He smiled up at her. "You win." He said with a chuckle. He closed her door and went around to his own side. He threw in his jacket and slid behind the wheel. He looked at her once more, a smile permantly afixed to his lips. He started the truck and they left the driveway listening to soft strains of Marvin Gaye. return unto me take a flying leap step back bitch jump back bitch run away bitch stay away bitch don't come back bitch in the beginning *On My Knees* spit or swallow? email me!