Title: Delirium
Chapter: 7. The Way You Want it to Be
Pairings: (Yaoi/SLASH) Nick/Zak, Aaron/Zak, future Nick/Aaron/Zak
Summary: Nick decides to leave Vegas for his family, hurting Zak. What he doesn't know is that it had the other man running into Aaron's arms even though they weren't to drop their current relationship. But Zak needs to have someone near, and Aaron understands him just as well as Nick does. Future D/S relationships.
Genre: Angst, drama, romance
Rating: Mature (X)
WARNING: Features Top!Zak and bottom!Aaron XD this won't be often, maybe it might just be once. I hope its not too out of the realm of imagination xD


The choice was London and the crew was going to stay there long enough to film two locations. This should have been good. It would have been long, and Nick was going to be in the company of his good friends, all of which he hasn't seen in weeks. Most importantly, he'd have Zak within reach again, and Nick wouldn't lie. He was feeling a little antsy. The one call he had with Zak ended badly and nothing more could be done until he got to see the dark-haired man again.

Nick knew what happened the moment that Skype call ended. He wasn't dumb. Zak needed comfort and nothing got him back down to earth like a touch. It had fed to his anger as yells and screams echoed within his own home. It was only luck that his grandparents had taken Annabelle to the park because he was sure even their daughter's presence wouldn't stop the explosion. It had been a thing coming and it was hard defending the time he spent with his friends. Zak's name flew around too, and the heat spoken behind that name fed the angry fire to his own words.

In the end, Veronique was coming, and Nick had no control over that. Their parents would love to watch Annabelle and it wasn't like Roni worked. Price didn't matter because the network paid for a good portion of it and had always been fair to the families of their stars. She was going to come whether he liked it or not, whether Zak liked it or not, and that last phone call he had with Zak ended with the older man yelling into the phone.

"I'm going to need you, Nick, and she- she-"

Nick wasn't even going to ignore the distressed gasps before the click that ended that phone call. The older man liked to hide it a lot, but his anxiety attacks still liked to work him up and leave him shaking for his next breath. It used to be crazy during their first few lock downs, just how hard the other man shook. Nick remembered how it was like to hold him then, how it was like to hear and see Zak like that. He used to protect the older man from those feelings, and now... well, now he put those feelings back in his raven-haired partner. He didn't know how many times he debated calling Zak, how often he flipped his phone in his hand or pulled it out from his pocket with that single intention in mind. But he just couldn't work up the courage to do it and he wasn't exactly sure what he was going to say.

It gave him a lot of time to think, but it was no where near enough by the time he reached London with his wife. As long as Nick didn't bring up Zak's name, Roni was a complete angel and played the role of the excited wife all through out the flight and through the drive to the hotel. It both annoyed and relaxed him because at least they weren't fighting, but this tension between Roni and Zak was one he was growing tired of. He knew one day he was going to have to chose, and really, it seemed like those two were forcing the decision on him sooner, rather than later, like he preferred.

The bellboy left them and Nick set his backpack down on the king sized bed. he turned around and was surprised to suddenly have an arm full of his wife. Roni smiled up at him, eyes shining as she threaded her thin arms around his body. The others weren't going to be around for another few hours and Nick was almost positive he knew what was on her mind.

"We should explore, what do you think?" He murmured and traced the gentle curve of her spine with one hand. The other arm dangled listlessly at his side. He didn't miss the droop of her lips as the question caught her off guard, but Nick honestly wasn't in the mood. He gave her a small smile, but she just narrowed her eyes and pulled away.

"It's because they're coming soon, isn't it? Zak's coming soon."

"Roni, don't be-"

"Don't be what, jealous? Its like you can't stop talking about him, Nick! You've changed. Since you've met Zak, you've changed."

Nick cringed and knew better than to deny it. Veronique was a smart woman and it would only piss her off if he even tried to refuse the truth. He sighed and reached a hand out, pausing for only a second to see if Roni would even allow him to touch her. When she did he placed his hand on her arm and pulled her close. "I know. I'm sorry." The words made her shrug and the firmness of her lips smoothened so he continued, "You shouldn't feel like I'm ignoring you."

Nick took her out shopping. If there was one thing that'll get them out of the room, it would be promises of a good time outside, and that usually meant an extravagant dinner and some extra money spent on random other things. It was enough to see Roni smiling, but it almost felt like a chore now. It kind of hurt to admit that, and more than a little unfair.

He forced on a smile as she turned, red gown flowing to the floor as her eyes shined. At one point, Nick could remember being floored with that look, letting her eat out his wallet despite not really earning enough to not feel it hurt. Now it was like she could have anything she wants, spending hundreds at one store, or over a single item. Nick didn't care for much because, well, he owed her this. No matter what he told himself, his infidelity owed his wife a lot and it was hard to deny her.

He looked at the time, tongue darting over his lip in thought. Another hour or two, depending on traffic, and Zak would be around. He fiddled with his phone a bit, thinking he should leave the older man a text, but was distracted once again as Roni turned around, a shorter, but no less beautiful black dress held against her body. He gave her a smile and shrugged, laughing quietly to himself as she ran off to try both dresses on. In all honesty, she'd look pretty in either dress, but he couldn't bring himself enough passion to care.

His thoughts strayed back over to Zak. As much as he felt he owed Roni the world, he knew she could never have him the way Zak has him. Some how, some way, the older man nudged his way into his already taken heart, bleeding into his soul. He took over, and as much as Nick wished he hadn't, he was glad Zak did. He was exciting and his life had changed for the better, but it had cost him the love he had for his wife. Still. Leaving her wasn't something he could do with a bat of an eye.

Plus. It was never about love. Zak needed him, but the older man said nothing about love, and because of that Nick feared the day he lost his usefulness. Roni was safe. When he first found out about what Zak had been doing with Aaron behind his back, Nick knew who he could run to. Flying home the next day, Nick's over-stimulated mind told him Zak would never need him again. The flight was excruciating and it took all his will to not fist his hands into his eyes and let his frustration out. He never told her why when she asked about the angry tears that threatened to spill from his eyes when he came home. He wouldn't have to.

She came out in the red and Nick lifted his eyes from the contact list on his phone. She doesn't need to try on the black. "That one. You look great in it, V."

Roni gave him a brilliant smile and Nick remembered when that same smile used to give him butterflies.


Aaron rolled his luggage into his hotel room, half expecting the solitude, but he knew better. Looking over his shoulder, he laughed quietly to himself as Zak set a stubborn look to his face and marched right in, bag in tow. Zak had is own key for his own room, but it looked like the other man won't be in there as often as his.

"You know, people will wonder." Aaron said off-handedly as he emptied his bag from atop the king sized bed. The rooms on the floor both Aaron and Zak were on were for single beds. He saw Zak kneeling on the floor besides the drawers, who scoffed lightly.

"No one knows us here."

"You take the floor?"

"My ass. We share the bed."

This had been Zak for a couple of days now. Aaron sighed, his patience wearing thin. He didn't mind the raven-haired man staying with him at all, but this attitude of his was getting on his nerves. Zak was a little sensitive to jokes, but this was just too much. The bite wasn't necessary. Aaron sighed again and kept his mouth shut, trying to steer clear from Zak's wicked tongue.

The older man stole a few hangers from the closet before Zak ended up using them all. Every once in a while he'd look over, just watching the blue-eyed male put away his possessions and remain oblivious. The stress in his brow seemed to be constant, and no matter how hard Aaron tried distracting Zak, Zak always fell back into his thoughts. He jumped when the other spoke.

"You think we could ask where the Groffs are staying?"

Aaron shook his head. "Dude, no. Give them their privacy."

Zak's face fell and Aaron noticed it before he gave him his back. Zak started folding his shirts quietly and put them away in the drawers. His dress shirts he kept to the side to hang them with his pants later. He made his way over, waiting patiently as Aaron hung up his clothes. "Tonight?"

Aaron turned, lips firm as he thought of a way to let Zak down gently. As he gazed at Zak, he felt that he really couldn't do it, and grabbed a shirt one by one to hang for Zak next to his own clothes. "We'll talk to him." He grabbed the pants folded over Zak's arm and threaded them through a hanger before putting them away too. The stronger man looked at him with hopeful eyes and Aaron scoffed lightly, throwing an arm over his shoulder to lead him out of the room for some fresh air.

"Come on. We could hit the buffet. Wouldn't you like that?" Aaron asked as Zak practically slouched into his side. He felt a nudge to his ribs, making him laugh.

"Don't make fun of me." Zak growled playfully and let himself be led. So his appetite picked up, he was still making up for the few pounds he had lost. He rubbed his flat stomach, realizing that he was indeed hungry after their long flight. "You're hungry as well, aren't you?"

"Bah, not really." Aaron answered and grunted at the other nudge to his ribs, "Hey."

"You eat."

And like that, Aaron found himself with a plate full of food, sitting across from the younger man stuffing his face. Fork in one hand and knife in the other, Aaron watched amusedly as Zak ate, ignoring everyone around him. It wasn't until he got a dry, "What, are you going to inhale your food?" that he started eating too with a smile on his face.

He dug in and sometimes his eyes would stray over to Zak before snorting quietly to himself at Zak's enthusiasm. The other man reacted, eyes going wide as he rounded them over to Aaron and shrugged as he chewed.

"What? What am I supposed to do, just look at it?"

"Nothin' man, just haven't seen you eat this much in a while." He paused. "You're still a smart ass, though."

"Sh, bro. That language isn't welcome here at my table."

It was a few minutes later that some of their crew joined them, some of which Aaron didn't even remember the names of, and that made him feel a little guilty. Billy really started joking with Zak between him eating his chicken and Zak trying to eat his dessert. Those two were close, but not like Zak was to him, or to Nick. It was nice to see Billy making Zak laugh, though. Even if he was trying to steal Zak's strawberries from a top his yogurt.

"I'll be right back." Aaron muttered loud enough for them to hear and threw his napkin in his seat. He squeezed his back pocket to make sure he had his smokes with him before heading out. He felt a hand on his arm and Zak looking up at him in question. Aaron licked his dry lip before smiling down at the other, saying jokingly, "I'm coming back, boo, just chill."

He went outside and made sure he was at a window where he could see Zak. He turned his back as he pulled out his pack and lit up before leaning against the window. He had things he didn't want to think about, but Aaron knew better by now that running in blindly was never fun.

The bearded man didn't know how he was going to get Nick to talk to Zak with him around. Aaron already knew he wasn't going to let them be alone, the little selfish part of him refusing to share. He missed holding someone in his arms, feel another fall asleep next to him. Aaron didn't want to give that up.

"Hey."

Aaron darted his eyes up, seeing Jay Wasley make his way to him. Aaron gave him a wide grin, a hand coming up to wave at the man. He offered a cigarette but Jay shook his head, claiming to lose his appetite after a smoke and he was still going back in to eat.

"So what's up?" Aaron asked casually as he leaned back against the window. He made sure Jay was facing away from the wind so he wouldn't inhale his smoke.

"Just real quick: you know I'm not trying to pry..."

"Man, just spit it out," Aaron snickered, "We're friends, aren't we?"

Jay nervously worried at the end of his jacket and the half-smile on his face looked a little strained. "Are you and Zak... I don't know, man. Are you guys... together?"

Aaron's eyebrow shot up and he was happy that was the only reaction he had because otherwise he knew he would have been blushing furiously. He swallowed thickly, a little sick at tasting tobacco sliding down his throat. Jay started stuttering, thinking he over-stepped his boundaries because, good God, he just accused his supposedly straight friends of being in a relationship. But how was it hard not to? Jay prided himself on his listening, and he bragged about his ability to puzzle things together. With his conclusion just at the end of his tongue, how could he not ask?

Jay laughed anxiously, "Look, dude, y'don't have to answer that..."

The older man shook his head, clearing his throat. He stared hard at the other man. It wasn't like Aaron cared, one way or another. But it wasn't like Zak flaunted this little thing he had between himself and Nick. He put his hand on Jay's arm, "Its complicated."

"So that's a..."

"That's an 'it's complicated', dude."

Jay took a second before nodding. He wanted to ask how long, but he had his suspicions for quite some time. He pretty much had an idea when, but if Aaron didn't want to talk about it, he wasn't going to push him. He changed the subject instead. "So, I'm thinkin' about proposing to Ash."

The change in Aaron's expression was immediate. Aaron shook him a bit, the laugh he released stress-reducing and light. "Man, it's about time, Jay!"

"I know, I know..." Jay sighed. He had a ring, a plan, and every possible outcome. He smiled too himself. "Was thinkin', you know? While we're here? She'd like that."

"She would." Aaron nodded and finished up his cigarette. He bent down and stomped out the end, keeping the butt until he found a proper way to dispose of it. He gave Jay his clean hand, shaking it firmly before dragging Jay into a tight hug. "Congrats, man."

Jay pulled away, "Hey! I didn't propose yet!"

"It's a sure thing. She's gonna stick by you." Aaron laughed softly again. He nodded his head back to the doors, "Come on. Lets head back in."

When they both entered the buffet again, Zak was pouting next to a satisfied Billy. Jay took his seat and Aaron came behind Zak, a hand crawling around his shoulder. He didn't miss the way Jay watched them and the content curl of his lips let Aaron know that he understood one way or another.

"You ready to go?"

Zak only nodded and it confused Aaron a bit when the younger man asked if they could go back to his room. Billy jabbed at him, "Ooh, back to his room?" and the glare Zak shot him was a little nasty and lacked any humor. The older man just rolled his eyes, holding in his giggles, "Remember, dude, Nick's gonna be here in a few."

As they left Aaron could hear Jay tell Billy to lay off the jokes, and Billy saying that he and Zak were bros, they do this all the time.

Once he unlocked his door, Aaron did not expect Zak to shove him against the door once they made their way inside. This unexpected roughness had him grunting into Zak's mouth, the moment of surprise allowing the younger man to snake his tongue between his lips. Long fingers tightened around his shoulders and Aaron looped his arms around Zak's waist, pulling him in as he followed as quickly as he could.

"What's... what's gotten into you?" Aaron moaned as soft lips mouthed messily down his neck. Zak had yet to shave and the scratch of hair made Aaron shiver. He tilted his head, giving Zak the expanse of skin he searched for with lips and tongue, growling quietly himself as Zak stretched the neckline of his shirt. "Careful, G."

"Need you." Zak breathed against his collarbone and he smirked softly to himself as Aaron let out a shuddering breath. He moved his hands under Aaron's shirt, the warm skin under his fingertips sensitive to his touch as he helped Aaron fling his shirt off. Pants were next, and he fumbled with the buttons before Aaron grabbed his hands and pushed him back into the room.

He immediately flipped them once he felt the back of his knees hit the bed. He shoved Aaron onto the bed, crawling up to straddle his thighs, and grabbed for the front of his pants again, fingers brushing against the straining bulge. Aaron sat up and Zak panted as Aaron reached for his own cock, palming against it as Zak tried desperately to undress him.

"I saw you... with Jay." Zak whimpered as Aaron shoved his pants down his hips. He had seen Aaron bring the other man into his arms. He didn't want to admit to being jealous.

"'ts nothing." Aaron grunted and sighed as Zak nodded and finally pulled him free, nearly melting into the bed as a warm hand wrapped around the girth of his cock. Zak stroked once, twice, before he crawled off Aaron's lap to pull their clothes to the floor. When he straddled Aaron again, he made sure to thread a leg between his own, sliding along his balls as he reached down to take his erection in hand again.

This time it was Aaron's turn to whimper, his face heating up as Zak moved his fingers along his cock. He leaned his head back against the bed, back arching as Zak mouthed down his chest. He chuckled as Zak returned to one of his nipples, finding the sensation to be more ticklish than pleasurable as he flicked his tongue against the tight bud, but he didn't comment like last time. Instead, he concentrated on the hand grasping him between his legs, groaning as that slim hand fondled his balls, and teasing fingertips going up his length.

Zak's mouth attached to his neck again, this time with aggressive nips and bites that were sure to mark his skin. The younger man fitted himself between his legs, cocks grinding side by side between their bellies making them both moan. Aaron panted as Zak wrapped a hand around both their girths, mouth falling slack as Zak rocked his hips back and forth.

He grunted. A dark "Fuck," escaping his lips as Zak bit down in the juncture of his neck and shoulder. Aaron finally let his hands wander, dipping into the muscles in the other's back before gently playing with the dimples that sat right above his ass. It had the raven unhinging his jaw and whine his name quietly. Aaron let one hand palm a round cheek, teasing the crease of his ass, and the sudden touch had Zak lunge up and take his lips with a clash of tongue and teeth.

"How do you... how do you wanna..?" Aaron gasped out as the grinding between his legs became more desperate. Hell, he was happy to come just like this, but Zak was being a little more needy than usual. He felt Zak get up on his knees and grab him by his shoulders, effectively pinning him to the bed. Zak licked his kiss-swollen lips, dragging his eyes down the bright red marks he left along Aaron's shoulders and collarbone. Aaron took the time to breathe, and his eyebrows shot up as Zak asked tentatively.

"Can I... man, would you let me?" that same hand that brought him to arousal palmed over his dick before sliding under his balls to gently press against his entrance. Aaron swallowed thickly, cheeks heating up instantly at the sudden, unfamiliar sensation. It wasn't bad. And Zak had asked; he would of never if he didn't feel like he needed to. He nodded his consent and Zak's eyes brighten as he leaned in to press a kiss to his cheek.

Zak crawled off then and Aaron took the time to collect himself as he sat up to watch the other man rummage through his luggage. He smiled to himself as Zak picked up a tube of lube, laughing quietly at the spark of excitement in the handsome face as he turned around and returned to him. Aaron opened his arms, wrapping them around Zak's slim waist and pulled him back against his body, sighing at the slide of sweat slick skin against his own. "Take it slow, dude."

"I know." Zak murmured, he licked his lips nervously, "Its been done to me enough times, I could do it."

Aaron snorted tried not to let it effect him negatively as he watched Zak slick his fingers from between his legs. Again, Zak met his eyes, his face flushing as he said, "If you don't like it, I understand. Nick doesn't."

"So you..." Aaron tried to continue on, ask if it was unfair, but Zak shook his head.

"S'not like that. He makes sure I feel good, and we don't, you know, if I don't want it." He swirled his fingers against Aaron's pucker, holding in his smirk as Aaron twitched from his touch. Zak kissed the nape of his neck, urging Aaron to relax, "So don't lie to me. I'll know." He looked pointedly at the older man's erection and Aaron couldn't believe his face could turn any redder.

"Jesus. Fine, but come here." Aaron groaned and pulled Zak down so their chests meld together and he took Zak's mouth in another kiss, despite the slight sting of bruised lips. Zak moaned quietly, lapping at the sensitive flesh as he slid his fingers against his hole and taint, getting him used to the sensation and carefully leading Aaron into taking him in. It didn't surprise Aaron as he felt the first slim digit enter him, nor did it scare him. He felt another curious lick to his upper lip and he huffed. "It's not bad..."

Zak chuckled against his lips, keeping it slow. "No, its not. Not yet, anyway," he teased playfully and saw Aaron roll his eyes. He brought his lips to Aaron's jaw, mouthing the stubble as he stretched the older man. He felt him shift, and the muscles contracted around his finger, saying before the older man could even groaned in discomfort, "Relax... you had it... just relax."

Aaron wanted to laugh, finding it just a bit embarrassing that at this moment he was being treated like glass. He wrapped a hand around his cock and tried to remain hard, but it wasn't too difficult what with the excitement of this new position. Hell, if Nick wouldn't do this for Zak, he sure as hell will take the spot on occasion. He released another deep groan as Zak pushed in a second, feeling the stretch that just might be the reason Nick didn't like bottoming.

Aaron hissed and Zak laughed quietly in his shoulder.

"Yeah."

Aaron dropped his head and closed his eyes as he got used to the burn, but he'd be damned if he gave up so quickly. He felt Zak nose around his chin and cheek, whispering, "Can you take it? Tell me, Aaron," and Aaron just nodded his head, gulping around the lump in his throat. Man, he gotta give respect for what Zak puts himself through, he thought as he spread his legs a little wider, stroking himself now to distract from the slight pain. It wasn't until Zak hooked his fingers into his prostate did Aaron's eyelids fly open and a surprised moan tore from his lips. He met those shining blues and Zak smiled slowly once he realized he found the little bundle of nerves.

"Much better now." Zak snickered.

"Fuck."

The bearded man brought an arm up to cover his eyes as Zak continued to massage his prostate. He could feel the jolts of pleasure tingling all down his legs, the muscles in his stomach tightening in a way he felt his orgasm might just be forced out of him. It seemed all too soon when Zak removed his fingers and as Zak sat up, Aaron removed his arm in time to see Zak's cock, shiny and flushed from arousal. Aaron kept stroking absently as he watched Zak slick his cock with more lube and another amused huff puffed through his lips as the tube was discarded carelessly over Zak's shoulder. "Someone's excited."

Zak said fondly, "Shut up, Aaron."

Zak entered him a lot more gently than he thought he would, hell, a lot more gently than the younger man would take him into his body. He expected it quick, that Zak would impale him on his cock fast like how Zak always rode his own, but it was just not that way. Another rush of heat brightened his face as Zak stared down at him intensely, but he knew Zak was just being careful. But, hell, it hurt. He could feel himself cringing as inch after inch slid into his body, Zak's cock definitely thicker than his long, pretty fingers. He squirmed and the raven gasped, his eyes fluttering shut as the blush of ecstasy darkened on his cheeks. It was enough to see Zak like this, at least.

Zak paused once his hips met with his ass and his fingers brushed up along his chest and then down to settle on his thighs. He pushed Aaron's hand away and instead wrapped his own around his manhood with half a smile, "Hey, you got this far." He panted, stalling for time before he cums with just another two strokes into Aaron's body. The older man didn't look quite there yet, but he was taking it a lot better than Nick did. He tried moving but Aaron winced and Zak snorted before letting himself fall over Aaron, "I can wait."

Aaron stopped himself from rolling his eyes. "Man, you don't have to be so gentle." He grumbled, but he would never admit to being grateful that Zak was. He let his hands smooth along Zak's back and to settle on his ass again, kneading the supple flesh and making Zak rock into him. He grunted at another inch of invasion, but he was getting used to it. Strong arms caged around his head and Aaron kept his hands where they were as leverage as Zak continued to move.

And, fuck, was it getting good. Once Aaron let go of his ego, he felt he could really get into this every once in a while. He let himself melt into the bed, let Zak lead for once and take control of his pleasure. Heavy breaths and deep moans were exchanged as Zak carefully fucked him.

The younger man bit into his lip, stifling the smaller noises as his eyes dragged down the thinned frame. Aaron's cock stood erect, reacting to his touches as he continued to stroke the velvety, stiff flesh. So fucking hard... and he brought him there. He panted Aaron's name, voice tight with pleasure, and sped the driving force of his hips. He forced these sounds he never heard from Aaron before and soon Zak could feel his orgasm on at the tips of his fingers.

"C-close..."

"Me too, boo, come on."

These high, desperate pants signaled Zak's coming climax, urging Aaron to hurry the younger man up and find his release, but instead Zak pulled out. He almost missed the hard shaft sliding along his prostate with every stroke, but his dick was leaking profusely by now and the wet cock sliding against his erection was even better, more direct. A couple more strokes had Aaron arching back against the bed and shuddering, semen splattering on his stomach and into Zak's palm. Eyes half lidded, Aaron watched as Zak wrapped that same hand around himself to stroke his cock with lube and spunk.

"Cumming," Zak gasped as he rutted against Aaron's hip, hand stilling over his cock as Aaron forced him to grind out his orgasm. The hands squeezing into the flesh of his buttocks nearly hurt, but it had him riding against Aaron's hip, squeezing his genitals tightly between their bodies until every last bit of cum left his cock. Zak fell in a heap over Aaron, a heavy weight that the older man didn't mind carrying, if the smooth hands going up and down his back meant anything.

They gasped for breath, Zak a little more harshly, but no less satisfied. He hummed as strong fingers massaged his shoulders and down his spine to settle over the curve of his back. "Thank you," Zak muttered tiredly, wondering if he had enough energy to get up at all.

Aaron felt a little more charged. It was probably the jet lag, or maybe he still had adrenaline coursing through his veins. Either way, he was still very much awake. He nudged Zak off of him, both of them sticky with sweat and jizz, but not without an affectionate messing of Zak's hair. The younger man still curled around him, tugging on the blanket until he got an edge to wipe away the fluids on Aaron's body. He just had to ask, even though he didn't really want to bring up the other man.

"So Nick doesn't..?"

Zak sighed, knowing where this was heading. He was tired, he really was, it wasn't like he fell asleep like a rock during flights. Still, he didn't want Aaron to think so badly of Nick, despite being a little angry at the other man. "Its not like that."

"Well, we got the rest of the night. I'm sure everyone is fighting jet lag. You could tell me all about it."


Nick came back with his wife a little before sun down. She seemed happy and when he finally got back the first stop he made was to the head desk. He told Roni to stay by the seats, and she did. That was good, because Nick needed the privacy.

Nick asked the lady at the desk if she could call Zak Bagans' room and she did with a smile, that is, until she put down the phone. Nick felt his smile drop too when she said that no one was picking up. Nick sucked on his lips for a moment, biting on them as he debating trying Aaron's. He was almost afraid of what he'd hear.

"Can you get a hold of Jay Wasley?"

It took her a minute to find, and another two before she gave him a smile and handed the phone over the desk. He must of sounded rushed because Jay's voice became a little bit concerned, even if it was just Nick telling him to get a hold of everyone so they could meet down in the lobby. Nick stopped himself from rubbing his face, hating using such a roundabout way just to see Zak again.

He handed the phone back with a thank you and returned to his wife. Nick sighed and let her wrap her hand in his as he took a seat next to her on the love seat.

"Hey, babe. I think I'm gonna head up." She said quietly and Nick nodded, accepting the innocent peck to his lips before watching her walk away. A simple thought flashed through his mind, was Zak really worth it that Nick was willing to let Roni go? He shot it down before he could let himself dwell on it.

His friends found him there sitting quietly and Nick forced himself to grin as he got up to greet the crew he considered his second family. At the last person, hands squeezed between their chest, Nick met Billy's eyes and asked, "So where's Zak and Aaron? I was sure I'd see the other two stooges here by now." Billy gave him that sort-of smirk, sort-of confused frown and a shrug.

"Man, if I know. Zak had one of his fits and dragged Aaron upstairs. I don't know what crawled up his ass."

"I bet I know." Jay said with a knowing smile and laughed when Ashley slapped his arm, catching her boyfriend's dirty joke before anyone else. Billy caught on a little later and scrunched his face up.

"Ew. Not that- man, I don't care what's goin' down, Jay, but no. Did not need that mental image of my bros, G."

Nick's eyes had lowered at the exchange, the lump in his throat thick and his hands pulled tightly into fists hidden under long jacket sleeves. He cleared his throat, "They went... they went up together?" He asked and Jay and Billy nodded, remembering the two leaving after a late lunch. Nick inhaled and he could feel his heart break a little more. He hoped his eyes weren't red or watery as he looked up, forcing another smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Well, I guess tomorrow, yeah? See you guys bright and early?"

Billy's eyes widened, "What? You don't want to hang out for a bit?"

Nick cleared his throat again, blinking back the sting in his eyes before saying, "Nah, man. Was just out with the wife. She's waiting for me, you know?"

"Oh, that's right. She came." Billy laughed and clapped him on the shoulder, "Don't get too tired now."

'Shut up, Billy," Nick groused, gave the other a goodbye high-five, and a farewell to the smiling couple before heading to the elevators. As he hit the up button to take him to his floor, Nick force himself to still believe in Zak, and that tomorrow he could have him in his arms.