[an: does anyone find my stories too long? Or am I worrying over nothing?]

I prodded my ribs gently and winced at the sharp pain. Sighing I pulled my top down and fixed the last of my make up on my face. I had managed to cover most of the bruising. 

I could pass...I think.

Leaving the bathroom I picked up my purse and smiled when Zak unfolded himself from the chair. I don't think I'll ever get used to his height, I looked up to him and got a kiss on my forehead.

"You didn't have to cover them." He spoke leading me out.

"I don't like seeing them every time
I pass something remotely reflective. It's okay to tell me they bother you, you know."

"They do. But not for the reason you think." He answered his hand went around my back pulling me closer into him I hissed and winced.

"Maria.. How bad is your stomach?"

"It's fine. Car out the front yeah?" I asked trying to push the subject away quickly.

"No, show me." He stopped.

"Not here." I answered looking around.

"Where?"

"Zak.. Just. Please I don't want this to be the main conversation topic today. It's happened. Let's move on." I answered walking out the hotel.

I found his car and went over standing by the passenger door. Zak came my side, I was about to have a go thinking he was going to pull my top up to see my ribs, when he opened my door.

I blinked and looked at him.

"T-thank you." I answered getting in and looking at him as he rounded the car getting in his side.

Okay gentleman.

He looked at me and smiled before starting the car up, his radio kicked in and the song he had playing made me lift my brow.

Nine inch nails - closer.

The first lines I heard?

'I wanna fuck you like an animal. I wanna feel you from the inside.'

I looked at Zak with a raised eyebrow, he laughed softly and turned it over onto a radio station.

"That song was uh.. Interesting." I spoke making him nod.

"It's a good song."

"Hmm." I narrowed my eyes making him laugh.

I took his hat off and pulled it onto my head before looking back at him. I went all funny looking at his hat hair.

"What's up with you?" He asked as I smiled like an idiot.

"Your hair. God you're cute." I spoke and clamped my mouth shut.

Shit.

"Oh! I'm cute! Well this is a new development! When did this start?!" He teased.

"Only now but you're killing it already." I laughed it off quickly.

I ruffled his head and placed my hand on his leg as he drove.

"When do you get the results?" Zak asked making me roll my head in his direction.

"I just want to be there for you.. Don't try and shoot me down so much."

"2 days.. I get them in 2 days."

He nodded "I'm coming with you."

"There no nee-"

"I'm coming to the doctors with you. End of story." He interrupted.

"Aye aye captain."

I turned the radio up hearing a song I liked. Smiling to myself I sank back into the seat listening to Sam Hunt - Take your time.

I was mumbling along when Zak belted out the chorus making me jump. I looked over at him to see his head back like a dog howling.

Laughing I watched him as he got into it trying to hit the notes properly. Even when we stopped at the lights he kept going only getting louder and causing people to look.

I was enjoying myself until I got the hiccups each time they hurt making me whine and laugh as Zak tried to sing a little quieter until he was mouse whispering.

When it finished I looked at him to see a grin.

"Who even sings that song?" He asked making me laugh.

"You've been belting it out and you don't know who sings it?"

"Nope."

"Sam Hunt."

"Oh right. It's a good song." He laughed.

We made it to his house and headed indoors. I could hear her bark, then her feet.

"GRACIEEEE!" I squealed hitting the floor to greet her.

I was slobbered all over and had a cold wet nose shoved in my face countless times as I rolled with her.

"Uh. We gonna get in or?" Zak asked.

"But it's Gracie." I answered getting up and laughing. I wiped my face and pointed.

"Go get me a ball! Quick! Where's your ball?!"

Her ears went back and she scarpered away to go and find a ball. I laughed lightly and looked at Zak.

"You've made her hyper now. She'll keep going until she's tired." He smiled.

I followed after him as he led the way through his house. Leading into the kitchen he teased the mousepad on his laptop waking it up.

I heard him sigh and a frown appear before slapping the laptop lid down.

"Everything okay?" I asked sensing a change.

"Yeah. Can't do right from wrong but yeah." He mumbled.

"If any reassurance you did right making me go to the appointment."

He looked over at me and gave a genuine smile "Really?"

I nodded "It's the only time I'll ever admit you're right.. Naturally." I laughed.

"Absolutely. Just going to the bathroom quickly."

"Okay." I smiled and looked to see Gracie racing around.

Maybe she was a little hyper today.

I waited until Zak was out the way before going to the laptop and looking a what he was to see the change in him. Maybe I could help him in some way?

It woke up and the screen flicked on, only I had to take a step back because this... This was no good.

It was a discussion sight and the main person of topic... Zak.

They were Slating him big time. About his hair, glasses, teeth, nose, weight, you name it they dissected and made a mockery out of.

"What are you doing?" Zak asked making me jump and slap the lid down.

"Checking the weather." I lied.

He walked over and looked at me, holding my eye contact he opened the lid again.

"Don't lie to my face Maria.. Ever. I hate liars."

"Sorry." I mumbled.

"Well.. Go on then. Join them.."

"At what?" I asked confused.

"At slating me as well."

I looked at him and slammed the lid down. "Is that how little you think of me?!"

"Everyone seems to want to stick the knife in,. Just thought you might be front of the line right now." He responded.

"Well you're wrong. And so are they. All they are, are sad individuals, keyboard warriors, trolls, disgruntled exes, jealous fans and then the weirdos." I answered.

"And who are you?"

"Me? Well I'm a fan. Definitely of the show... And." I pulled him to me by his jeans.

"A fan of what's under those clothes. And maybe I want to be a protective girlfriend?"

He looked at me with a small smile.

"But the first attempt at wooing to a doctors wasn't exactly fun so maybe pull the Vegas charm from your ass and do something cute."

"Like what?" He asked rubbing my arms.

I shrugged "Something that doesn't involve spending money.."

He nodded and gave me a hug.

"Challenge accepted with wooing." He answered in my hair. All the while I was thinking how safe I felt in his arms....

I was into deep.