A Purple Illusion

by Baby Kitty

Their past troubles behind them Tommy and Zedd attempt to move forward and focus on their lives together. Unfortunately not everyone is happy about this. -complete-

1. A Purple Illusion

Disclaimer – I still don't own them. It's so unfair.

Author's Notes – I totally changed the outline for this. And if you recall Zarek is the name of Dark Spector's long gone son who Zedd at one point and time loved. If you don't recall go back and read 'White Dream' and 'Black Reality'.

Thanks to chylea3784 for telling me how to start this story off. It so wouldn't be posted today if she hadn't given me the Valentines Day idea.

Summary – Their past troubles behind them Tommy and Zedd attempt to move forward and focus on their lives together. Unfortunately not everyone is happy about this.

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A Purple Illusion

Zedd

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(Hayley's CyberCafe')

Smiling as I head into Hayley's café feeling fairly certain that this is where I will find my mate considering he should have been home from his unnecessary job an hour ago and was not, I push past the group of exiting teenagers only to stop short as the redhead's redecorating smacks me square in the face.

Looking around the once fairly attractive computer and coffee stop with distaste I take in the now hanging hearts, cutesy animal cut outs, and abundance of red and pink which is currently assaulting my vision. And not even blood red either. "What prepubescent girl threw up in here?"

"I'll thank you not to insult my holiday decorations." Breezing past me Hayley moves to the one remaining clear wall, beginning to deface it quickly with more things of the pink and frilly nature.

"Holiday decorations? Have you lost your mind woman, what ghastly earthen holiday could possibly require the need for such hideous decorations?"

Turning from her task to raise a disbelieving brow, she shakes her head. I hate that look. "You're kidding right?" Sighing when I choose not to respond she continues in a put upon manner. "Valentines Day Zedd, its February fourteenth." Valentines Day?

Quickly skimming through all of the holidays which Tommy had taken the time to inform me of, this one I realize is not one of them. "Well it must not be of great importance because Thomas has yet to tell me of it. Though if these sorts of decorations are what is required for it I can perhaps see why he's neglected to give any information."

Finishing in her task of uglifying the last wall of her business, the woman moves to stand by me, hands on hips. "Look I'll admit the whole cutesy thing isn't really the greatest of ideas for decorations, but it is tradition and my customers have already been asking why I waited so long to do it this year. Business is business Zedd."

Understanding this a bit better as I am all about business when it suits me, I nevertheless continue to plead my case. "But this cannot be good for business as a whole human. It will hurt your profits if your cliental ends up vomiting up their meals from the hideousness of the décor."

Head in hand she moves back to the main bar where I finally see my mate has planted himself with a book and cup of coffee. "Tommy get your boyfriend out of my café before I stick his head in the blender."

Not even bothering to glance up from his book, his response is absent and lackluster. "You know the more you make that threat without carrying it through, the less effective it becomes."

Frowning at his lack of usual pep I move to the empty seat beside him, sliding into place and running a soothing hand down the very tight muscles in his neck. "Naw I still believe she'd do it, human females are after all quite unpredictable and crazy you know."

"Mhm." Nose still buried in his book he gives a small nod, clearly listening but yet not really.

"What are you reading?"

"'Travelers in the Mesozoic', it's one of my old field guide books. I'm start the unit on fossilization next week and wanted to review some things." Dinosaurs again. Always with the dinosaurs this one. I swear I still blame Zordon for his fascination in those over grown, long since deceased reptiles.

"Pet, you just spent eight hours at work, why don't you relax for a bit. Have something to eat, make fun of your little friend's suddenly lack of style where decorating is concerned, come back home and let me get you out of that god awful tie."

"My tie is not god awful."

Rolling my eyes and waiting for him to elaborate with a return insult to my own attire, namely the leather pants, I find myself sourly disappointed when no such comment comes. He really must not being feeling well.

Staring at him intently for a moment and trying to feel out just what might be wrong through our bond I'm quickly stopped as brown eyes quickly leave his page only to return just as fast. A knowing command following his glance.

"Stop it."

"Stop what?"

"Stop trying to feel me, nothing's wrong." Which in human terms means everything is wrong. Right then.

"Rough day at work?" Giving a nod of thanks as Hayley sets a cup of coffee in front of me without interrupting, I keep my focus on Thomas, hand still resting on his neck.

"No. A lot of kids going on about Valentines Day plans and not really listening to my lesson, but beyond that was a typical day." Ah there's that Valentines Day thing again. Well if he won't tell me what's got him in a slightly down mood I suppose I could at least learn a bit more about this latest holiday.

"What is this Valentines Day thing anyways? What sort of plans and events occur on the fourteenth that humans see fit to make such a fuss about this thing? And why exactly haven't you told me about it before? You were so excited about our first Christmas together, even Thanksgiving was fun despite the blood drenched history behind it. Why keep Valentines Day a secret?"

"It's not a secret, it's just not important." Interesting.

Refusing to give in now, partly due to his guarded answer, I press on just a bit, my hand coming down to cover the current page he's reading. "It must hold some importance to your species for everyone else to be making such a to-do about it."

Sighing and setting his book on the counter he finally turns to look at me, though not in a very happy manner. "It's not important. It's just another random holiday invented by the greeting card companies to sell worthless merchandise that no one even wants to begin with, but that people feel compelled to buy as meaningless gestures of supposed love. It's a waste of time and effort." Tone bitter and edged with emotion that I'm fairly certain he does not want me to see, he removes my hand and goes back to staring intently at his book. Okay then.

"So you're supposed to buy cards and presents for loved ones? Like Christmas?" I rather enjoyed Christmas, why on earth would that be so much fun and this not? Well aside the clear lack of taste in decorations this time around that is.

"No not like Christmas, Christmas is supposed to have some sort of meaning behind it, Valentines Day doesn't. It's just a stuck in day people decided to make a holiday."

"But people enjoy it, yes? As the human said her customers became a bit upset when she'd not put up decorations, and as you pointed out even your students are getting themselves all worked up over plans for it. So why don't you tell me what you'd like us to do and I'll make it happen…well unless it's decorating the house like this, because I'm just afraid that would do permanent psychological damage to the both of us."

Finally closing his book completely and apparently realizing I am not going to drop the matter, he pushed his mostly empty cup aside before turning to give me a look of exasperation. "I don't want to do anything. Like I said it's a pointless day filled with love sick teenagers, and pointless activities. It's a waste of time, money, and effort." Shaking his head he's quick to change tactics when it looks as if I'm about to continue the argument. "Look can we please just drop it and go home already? You're right I have been working for eight hours straight today and I'm just tired, I can read the rest of this later."

Wanting nothing more then to press him to tell me just what is wrong as this is not his normal behavior even after the bonding, I nevertheless give a nod deciding to let it lie for the moment. "If wish."

"Good." Standing and pulling his keys from his pocket he gestures towards the door. "My jeep's outside, did you walk here or bring the Mustang?"

"Mustang. Tell you what you go on ahead and I'll swing by Pizza Hut and pick up some dinner on the way back, alright?"

"That's fine, just no anchovies this time. I like fish but not on my pizza."

"Alright." Pity I rather like those little creatures. "See you at home then." Watching him go with a wave I wait until he's out the door before turning to his listening but staying out of it friend. "Why does he hate Valentines Day?"

Groaning and beginning to clear his spot the redhead was clearly expecting my question. "I can't tell you that, he'd kill me."

"Tell me or I'll kill you."

"Yeah, you know the more you use that threat the less effective it becomes." Clever. Still though I will not let it go, not until I at least figure out why he's in general all of the sudden unhappy.

"My mate and your best friend is unhappy, I need to know why to correct it. Tell me Hayley." Using her name, something I do not do unless very serious about something, I watch as she suddenly pauses in her cleaning to give me a bit of a curious look.

"You really want to know that badly?"

"I do."

Heaving a sigh and returning to the tasks at hand she at least begins speaking as she works. "Let me ask you something first. Do you have holidays on eltar?"

Confused as to what this has to do with the matter at hand I still give a nod in response. "Yes, not the same as your earth holidays, but we do celebrate certain things."

"Right, and it's more fun to celebrate with people you love and care about right?" Another nod makes her continue. "Has there ever been someone that you really cared about, not Tommy, but someone else before him that you were with or had a crush on that you maybe wanted to spend the holidays with?"

Narrowing my eyes as this is a rather touchy subject I answer in a guarded manner. "There have been others before Thomas, yes. Though they are no concern to me now that I am with him. He is my consort, my mate, his happiness is my top priority."

"Not that I'm not happy to hear that, but try to think back for a minute to these others, just for a minute. Have any of them been less then pleasant. Maybe you wanted to be around them to give them your attention your care but they didn't want it or want to return it? Maybe it was a bit more noticeable around the holidays?"

-oooooooo-

(Eltar 7,500 yrs ago…)

Looking around my shared dorm room, I can only hope that Zordon stays gone for at least another few hours. He said he was going to see little miss what's her name in the female dorms, Rina, Rebecca, Renee, Rita? Blah, who cares so long as he doesn't return before Zarek leaves. That's all I need is another lecture about fraternizing with the enemy.

And really like it's even fair to call him that. He is not his father damn it and Zordon of all people should understand that considering what an asshole his is. Like its Zarek's fault his dad is the new leader of supreme evil? Like he asked to be born into that? No of course he didn't. So why should he be blamed and held responsible for his father's behavior. His father's homicidal, mass murdering, kicking puppies behavior.

Right then, checking the room one more time. Making sure both the beds are made, though Zordon's always looks neater then mine, I kick the last of my clothes into the closet before forcing the door shut with a telling click. Mental note, make certain Zordon opens that before me next time.

Smiling at the thought of my best friend buried under a pile of my dirty laundry I draw the blinds shut and light the candles which I've placed strategically around the room, hoping to create just the right mood for our Hedonistic Day plans. Granted it's a rather silly holiday, and true sometimes it causes more trouble then not, but it's still a fun excuse to celebrate, to have a little fun one day out of the year, which is otherwise filled with too much responsibility and too many mundane activities.

Just about satisfied with the room I barely have the music started when a telling knock is heard on the door. "Zedd, Zedd open up."

Dropping the rest of the music disks back onto the dresser, I take a quick look in the mirror, smoothing my blonde hair back and straightening my white shirt before pulling open the door and letting my mate in. My fully cloaked, looking irritated mate. Crap.

Shoving past me before I can even get out a greeting he slams the door shut with enough force to shake it and the supporting wall. "For crying out loud, must have been out of my mind to agree to come over here. You've got catchers crawling all over the place." Moving to the window to peek out at the supposed law enforcement he scowls slightly before drawing his hood back and removing his out of place white cloak completely.

Taking his cloak when it's handed off to me, I drape it on Zordon's bed before giving what I hope is a calming smile. "You worry too much. You can outrun any catcher on this planet. I missed you."

Finally seeming to feel satisfied that he was in fact not followed, the black haired male turns to me dark purple eyes still looking anything but happy. "I don't run Zedd. Running's for cowards, which as you are well aware, I am not." Right mention of cowards' not a good topic. Moving on.

"I'm glad you made it. I missed you." Reiterating that main point and waiting desperately for a similar response I try everything in my power to not pout as an annoyed grunt is all that's given in return.

Flopping down on my bed and finally looking around the room he raises a brow at the decorations and music I'd put on. "What's with the mood lighting? Power go out?"

"No, I just thought, you know it might be nice."

"For what?"

"For…well mating?" At his curious look I continue in a rush of explanation and apology. "Not that the way we usually go about it isn't great and fun, I just thought maybe this time, since we have a little more time we could maybe be slower and just touch some before or play a little bit, maybe even switch spots?"

Sitting up at this and shaking his head sternly he apparently is not going to go for it. "I don't do that Zedd, you know that. When I mate I mate hard and fast, we're two males, it's a matter of gratification not sentiment and emotion and all that other female crap. If you want pointless words and soft touches you should have found a female, not me. As it is though that's a rather moot point as you're mine now."

For the first time half wishing I had maybe found someone a little more giving, someone who would be slow and gentle when I want, would on occasion do something nice just because, I look back at my mate wanting him to see how badly I want to please him but also want the same in return.

"I hate when you make that face. It's like I kicked a puppy or some such thing." Well in a way you kind of did.

Moving slowly to the bed and sliding down beside him, I give a rather pleading look. "I just don't understand why we can't be soft too? I know it's more of a female trait, but no one has to know Zarek. I won't tell anyone. Besides it's the holidays, couldn't we maybe make an exception just this once? Please? For me?"

"Mating is mating Zedd. It is done for no other purpose then to bare offspring or gratify one's self. You should feel privileged that I've even taken you as a mate. I am not the type to settle down Zedd and the fact that I've forsaken my past bed partners just to be with you should mean something to you. You want too much."

Hanging my head as he stands and turns off the music, I heave a small sigh of disappointment. "I just want to feel love."

"Love is irrelevant to what we do."

-oooooooo-

"Zedd. Zedd!"

Head coming up at Hayley's barking voice, I shake myself out of my memories trying to refocus on the matter at hand. "What?"

"I said are you okay?" Face filled with concern, she reaches out a hand attempting to feel my forehead, only to scowl as I pull away.

"I'm fine, just, just got caught up in something. What, what were we talking about?" Trying my best to push any and all thoughts of Zarek aside I do my best to recall what the topic of conversation was between me and the female beforehand.

"Why Tommy hates Valentines Day." Thomas, right, my mate. My one and only mate.

"Right, so, why does he? Why is he so unhappy with it?"

"Well if you remember I asked you to recall someone before him that you might have been with, someone who was less then kind about returning feelings of sentiment and care." Zarek, yes I definitely remember that.

"Yes, and?"

"Well it's just, with how you spaced out on me I'll assume you were able to remember someone who fit that description, and recall just how badly it might have felt." Yes, yes get on with it woman. "Well you're not the only one. Tommy's been burned in the past, not really intentionally mind you, but he just seems to have a way of picking the most self centered people he can find to fall for." You don't say.

Something clicking at her words and look, I find myself scowling in return. "I am not self centered."

Smiling as if she'd expected that in response, she simply shakes her head and continues. "I didn't say you were. Granted you have an ego on you the size of LA, but I will admit you do care about him and you show it. That's more then I can say for his past love interests. He got his feelings hurt a lot when he was younger Zedd, he tried to do romantic things, tried to be a gentleman, to be and act like he thought his girlfriends would like, but it never worked in his favor. See humans are funny creatures, especially females. We seem to expect males to be all giving, all understanding and accommodating, but most of us never really think to give such things in return."

"They neglected his needs and wants."

"And he was, still is, too much of a gentleman to push for what those are. He's more concerned with other people's happiness that a lot of times his gets left on the side of the road." Understanding now why he might dislike such a love based holiday so much, I thank her genuinely before turning to go. I have things to do, plans to make.

I will give him what he wants, I will not allow this to turn into the same situation I was in with Zarek. Zarek, as much as I hate to admit it Zordon did end up doing me a favor. I was going to end up getting hurt by him, well assuming what was already done wasn't being hurt.

No matter though Tommy is my mate now and everything Zarek wasn't. He drew me out of the darkness that Zarek had placed me in. He saw in me the good that Zarek had helped to corrupt. I will thank him for that. No matter how long it takes, he will know that he is the most important thing in my life, and that nothing will ever change that.

To be continued…..

Right so I'll try to update on Thursdays and Fridays like before. So next part should be…next Thursday I think.