A/N: TWO CHAPTERS IN ONE DAY. AW YEAH. Thanks so much to everyone who has read and reviewed. I love you guys.

A/N: Thanks to mockingjaybrandybuck for the concrits on a bunch of my previous chapters! They've since been updated and fixed! You are awesome and I love your feedback so much :D

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

It was six thirty in the morning when Snake awoke. Despite having a bit of a headache, he felt fine all things considered. His back felt a little stiff, but that was to be expected, having slept on the couch. Sitting up, he reached into the air and stretched. It was one of those days that just felt good. The sun streamed through the windows, and the air was cool, and it was quiet. That's what he liked about mornings, it wasn't so blistering out that he wanted to rip off his clothes and sit in a bathtub full of ice, and the streets were devoid of people. It was the perfect time for a walk.

Getting up, he made his way to the bathroom, treading quietly, since he remembered it was just before "sleeping beauty's" bedroom. Once inside, he awkwardly began searching her cabinets for a spare toothbrush. He would replace it, of course, but he just couldn't go through the day without brushing his teeth first.

There was so much stuff in her cabinet though. Make-up, hair brush, a tiny first aid kit, some painkillers and, he blushed, feminine products. It was a natural part of life, and women were great and all being able to deal with that, but he really didn't want to think about it. Sighing, he continued to rifle through the cabinet, trying his best to not make a huge mess.

Finally, he managed to find one. Of course it was at the very back, and grimacing, of course it was pink. Did everything this girl own have to be pink? Still, it was a toothbrush, and he wouldn't have to worry about having gross morning breath. He put a generous amount of toothpaste on the brush and cleaned his teeth thoroughly, making sure to gargle and floss.

Once he was done, he stripped down and stepped in the shower. It made him a little nervous, showering at her place. But considering the state she was in last night, she probably wouldn't be up for a while. He just prayed she wasn't a light sleeper. Turning the handle for hot water, he closed his eyes and let the warmth engulf him. It was still hard for him to believe he actually slept at her place, on her couch. His face flushed again, and that he kissed her to get her to bed.

He reached for the shampoo, cringing at its very floral packaging. It was better than smelling gross though. He was stuck wearing the same change of clothes, so he wanted to smell as fresh as he could. Squeezing a dollop in his palms, he ran it through his hair, lathering thoroughly. He breathed in the scent, smiling in realization – so that's how she smelled so nice all the time. He chuckled wondering what Zahira would think about him smelling like her.

With his shower done, he quickly dried himself off, and got dressed. From there, he wandered into the kitchen. It was time to make breakfast. Rummaging through her fridge, he was relieved to find a carton of eggs. He didn't know if vegetarians ate them, and was happy to know that they did. He placed them on the counter and grabbed a pan once he had located the right drawer.

He hummed to himself tunelessly as he turned on the stove element. While the pan was heating up, he looked for some bread to make toast. He'd make them a good breakfast. The girl probably needed it too.

All of his ingredients were finally in a row. He had his eggs frying, the toast was toasting, and there was coffee being brewed. He smiled softly, he hoped she would be happy. Blushing again, he shook his head. It was going to be an interesting morning.

When he heard the sound of a door opening, his chest tightened, and he held his breath. Oh boy. It was happening. He could see her little form pass through the corner of his eye. He continued cooking, trying to remain calm. She had changed into a cute white night dress. Her hair was a curly mess, make up smudged. He felt warm looking at her like that.

"Ishmael?" she gasped, jumping at the sight of him.

"That's me," he laughed awkwardly. He kept his eyes focused on the eggs. If he looked at her he was going to fold.

"What are you-" her voice full of confusion.

"I made you breakfast?" he answered, meekly pushing a plate and fork towards her.

She looked at the plate and then at him for a while. Her eyes softening there gaze, "Oh." She fumbled with the fork, "I thought I smelled eggs."

He watched nervously as she took a few tentative bites.

"Thank you," she sighed, before continuing, "Um, Ishmael, this is super sweet of you. But, um, what happened last night?"

Making his own plate, his shoulders tensed, "I, well, you were really drunk and I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

"Oh God, Ish," she pleaded, "I'm so, so sorry. You really didn't need to do this."

"Hey, it's fine. How's your head doing?" he asked, trying to keep things light.

"It hurts, but I took an Advil, so hopefully it won't for very long."

He nodded, "Stomach okay?"

She laughed weakly, "Yes, Dr. Ish."

"Good," he said, taking a bite of his eggs.

She played with her food, pushing it back and forth on her plate. Something was bothering her. She sighed deeply and the glanced up at him.

"Ish?" she said quietly, "I didn't do anything dumb last night, right?"

Snake stood still, trying his best to think of an answer that wouldn't embarrass her. That was the last thing he wanted to do.

"Ish?" she pushed again.

"Um, nope not at all, you were just...sick," he answered pathetically. The lie was so obvious.

"I'm not dumb," she sighed loudly, "What did I do? I have a vague idea, but I need to know how bad it was," she smiled at him sheepishly.

"Well," he said, before swallowing, "you were pretty drunk and tried to get me to go to bed with you."

Her face contorted, her lips twitched and her brows furrowed. "God, I'm so, so, so sorry," she said, her voice shaking slightly. "I'm so dumb. I'm so dumb!" she repeated to herself.

"Hey," Snake answered gently, reaching out to touch her shoulder, "don't beat yourself up too hard. We've all done our fair share of stupid drunk."

Zahira nodded, and held her head in her hands, "I know, but that's just so... embarrassing."

"It's not as embarrassing as the time I was so drunk I walked out of the barracks in my birthday suit and proceeded to barf on my commanding officer's shoes," he laughed, trying to cheer her up.

"You did what?" she gasped.

"There we go, not so embarrassed now, are we?" he grinned.

She giggled softly, and nodded. He could see her shoulders relax and her features finally began to soften. "Thank you," she said quietly, "Thank you so much."

"Don't think about it," he answered, waving it off. "You'd do the same for me."

They both smiled at each other. It was a good morning.

"I'm sorry I'm such a mess," she fumbled, looking down at the floor.

"Naw, you're –" he paused, realizing he almost said the word cute. "Um, you look comfy."

She tilted her head, shot him a suspicious look. Shaking her head, she laughed, "You're funny."

"So are you," he answered, laughing with her.

Breakfast went quickly after that. The eggs, toast and coffee disappeared over small talk. However, it was getting time for him to leave. He couldn't spend the whole day with her. He needed to get home.

"Hey, Zahira?" he asked, as he helped put the dishes in the sink. "You got a paper and a pen?"

"Yeah. Do you need some?" she replied.

He nodded.

"Alright, one second," she laughed, leaving the kitchen.

When she came back, she had a small notebook and pen in her hand. "As per request," she said with a smile.

"Ah, thanks," he answered, taking the pen in his hand.

It was his turn to leave a silly note. He had to stop himself from chuckling while writing it, but he figured she'd enjoy it.

Hey Purple,

Take it easy on the booze; the next time I won't be there to make you breakfast. Anyway, you owe me two dinners now. I think it's fair all things considered. Give me a call.

Below he scribbled in his phone number. As he was signing, he cursed himself for almost writing down his real name, but luckily the letter J could easily be turned into an I.

He needed to tell her. He did. But he didn't know how. And he knew it was just going to get worse the longer he prolonged it.