Zachary-

Being home again hadn't been as amazing as he'd thought it would be. Well, he'd hoped it would be. With his father in the hospital Zachary thought he might have his mother's attention, if only for a short time. He knew better than to think that he would be allowed to stay once his father came home, or even after he handed her his first pay check as manager, but he couldn't help the overwhelming wave of hope that had taken over him when she'd shown up at his work and asked him to return.

I'm such an idiot.

He bobbed his head, nodding several times as he walked into the kitchen to get a plastic bag and fill it with ice. Considering how angry George appeared to be, he had no doubt that Orion might have paid the admission fee for the stern talk they both likely got. It took an awful lot to make George angry enough to actually start speaking in full sentences to anyone besides Xena and David, but to actually force him to stop and talk outside of the restaurant?

Yeah, he's definitely going to have a bruise or broken bone.

Shaking his head, Zach sealed the zipper bag and wrapped it in a papertowel before turning and heading down the hall to Orion's room, ignoring David since he was obviously in the zone, cooking. He could smell the pot before he even got close, making his stomach twist nervously. He wasn't worried so much about the drug as he was of the fact that Orion could get fired because of it. He'd read the documents Xena had mentioned when he'd first gotten hired. Especially the part about it being a Drug-Free workplace.

I doubt smoking inside said workplace is going to go over well.

Biting his lower lip, he grabbed the handle to the door and turned it, then pushed it open and slid inside before letting it close itself behind him. The first thing he noticed when he finally looked up was the dark swelling around Orion's left eye. Without even thinking about it, he ran over and climbed into the bed, pressing the ice pack he'd made gently against the bruised skin. He could feel Orion's other eye watching him as he sat there, both of them silent but needing to speak.

Minute after minute passed, their breathing the only sound that occupied the room besides the faint bustle of people beginning to come into the building. They had to start working soon or Xena would come in and just make things worse.

I don't like things being bad between us. I put myself in a situation that I knew wouldn't last... but that doesn't mean that my choice didn't affect him, too.

Looking up, Zachary blinked back a few tears, only letting one escape to trail down his cheek. It didn't make it down to his chin to fall, though. Orion's finger gently pressed against his skin and wiped the tear away with a hesitant, small smile. Just seeing the slight lift to his lips made Zachary sniffle again and hurriedly mumbled as he fell into Orion's arms. "I'm s-sorry!"

The ice pack slipped from his fingers as they dropped to rest on Orion's shoulder. He felt nearly suffocated with how tightly Orion was squeezing him but he didn't care. It felt good. Being back in his arms felt good. Far better than when he'd stepped back into his parent's house. Got a tiny, strained hug from his mother.

"I'm sorry, too, Zachary. I was so surprised by what happened yesterday, and how quickly, that I didn't say what I needed to."

His arms relaxed around him slightly, making Zachary snuggle in closer, not wanting him to let go. "I'm sorry, Zachary. No matter how surprised I was and, yes, upset, I had no excuse for not saying that you will never be homeless, no matter the decisions you make. No matter how many times you leave or come back... or how long you intend to stay. You'll always have a home here."

It took Zach a few moments to get control of himself before he could look up into Orion's gentle eyes. Even with the left one being rimmed in purple and black, he was still handsome. And the man I'm still in love with. Who still wants me even though I did something incredibly stupid yesterday.

"I'm sorry, too. I did something brash and stupid yesterday. I lost my normal train of thought and just got so focused on going back to that stupid house. It didn't even feel like a home, either. It was so dull and even with all of the lights on it felt dark. Like I wasn't meant to be there."

A tiny smile slipped across Orion's lips as he leaned over and bumped his nose against his.

"You were meant to be right here, Sweetheart."

Zach couldn't help but nod at that. There was no doubt in his mind that Orion was right. He had just not used his head yesterday, and had paid for it with a night of no sleep and a stomach so worried about what the next day would bring that he hadn't eaten since he'd left work the day before. Just to prove his point his stomach grumbled, making Orion's chest rumble with laughter before he scooted them over to the side of his bed closest to the mini fridge. Once he was situated again back against the headboard Orion reached over, tugging the door open before removing a small container of strawberries.

Mmm.

They were bright red and plump, making Zach's mouth begin to water immediately.

"We need to get to work soon but there's a certain stomach in here that needs filled, and I believe that's my job right now, so open that little mouth, Sweetheart." Orion said as he opened the container and lifted a strawberry to press against Zach's lips. He didn't need anymore coaxing to take the sweet fruit into his mouth and chew, then swallow. It was absolutely delicious, making him moan as he eagerly leaned forward to take the next one heading for his mouth.

Eight strawberries later Zachary was up, yawning as he stretched his arms over his head and his shirt road up a little. Orion didn't hesitate to tap his belly, making him jump and grin.

"Before we get to work, I'd like to know if you are going back to your parent's house tonight, Zachary."

Zach knew why he was asking. Sure he wanted him to stay because they were dating, even after their mistakes yesterday, but he had a feeling that Orion was asking mainly because of the dark circles beneath his eyes and his previously-growling stomach. He thought about it for a long moment before slowly shaking his head.

"No. I went there yesterday and it's just that. Their home, not mine. There wasn't even anything in my old room. Mom just gave me a small blanket, not even offering the sofa. No offer of food or anything. Not even this morning."

Orion took a step forward, tugging him back into his arms. Zachary pressed his forehead against his chest and sighed quietly. Taking in a deep breath before letting it out. The strong scent of marijuana reminded him of one more thing they had to discuss before work. Looking up, he narrowed his eyes slightly and pursed his lips.

"I know, I know. You're mad at me for smoking. I'm sorry that I did something so stupid. George took the only marijuana I bought, and I won't go near that stuff again."

Zachary gave him another look and Orion rolled his eyes as he mussed up Zach's hair. "I swear, Sweetheart. It was a big mistake and I'll go tell Xena before I start my shift. I think I'll be okay as long as I come forward and be honest about it. Sure I might be punished for it, but eh, I can handle it." He winked at that, making Zachary blush.

"So, are we okay now? Do I still have my Zachary?" Orion asked, his hand held between them as he took a slight step back. Zachary gladly closed the gap again and slid his hand into Orion's larger warm one.

"Yes. As long as I still have my Master."

The look on Orion's face told Zachary that he did, indeed, have his Master still, even before Orion nodded and began leading him out of the room. Once in the hallway he could hear people busily milling about as patrons talked amongst each other. They stopped just out of view and Orion pulled him into one more strong hug before stealing a brief kiss.

"I love you, Sweetheart. Let's keep what happened yesterday in our minds but don't dwell on it, alright? Mistakes are meant to be remembered so that they are not made a second time." He said with a reassuring smile.

Zachary returned the smile and nodded in response before he headed over to the small locker Xena had given him with his promotion and took out his name tag and Manager in Training pin. Once he was all set he looked over his shoulder and watched as Orion stood watching him, a relieved look on his face that Zach couldn't help but mirror.

We're okay. Mistakes are meant to happen. They make us stronger... But I hope I never make such a bad one again. I don't ever want him to hurt like that again because of me. I don't want him to hurt again, period.

"Head in the game, Sweetheart," Orion whispered against his lips, making Zachary jump at how close he'd gotten.

Oops. I zoned out.

"Have a good shift, Zachary. I look forward to having you back in my arms tonight."

After tucking a strand of Zach's hair behind his ear Orion gave a small wave and turned, disappearing around the corner to find Xena before he headed up to his room to work. Once he was gone Zachary took in a deep breath and blew it out, then licked his lips and smirked. He'd thankfully managed to fix everything that had been worrying him and with a slight skip to his step, went off to find the assistant manager Xena told him to shadow that evening.

I really owe George a cake. Or two.