"What do you want, Marisol?" Psymon asked, turning to face the Latin woman.
He had thought he'd get a few moments of peace and quiet out on the
balcony, but ever since Zoe had gone in, it was as if the other league
members were popping out of the wood work. He glared at Marisol.
"I want to finish what we started at Garibaldi," she replied, walking closer. She reached up to stroke his cheek, then let out a gasp of pain as he caught her wrist in a tight grip.
"It already was finished, Marisol. I told you no," the Canadian warned menacingly. He pushed her hand away from him, shoving her entire being. "Now, leave me alone."
"You think Zoe really cares about you anymore that what you have between your legs?" Marsiol hissed. Psymon looked at her. The woman just smirked. "That's right, big boy, she used you. She's still using you. Why do you think she didn't keep in touch with you during the off season?"
"That's not true! She was busy, we were both busy," Psymon snapped. "We've got lives other than the snowboarding."
"So that's why she was with Hiro during the off season," Marisol gloated. "She's been seeing him behind your back. Hell, she's with him right now."
Psymon looked back at the dining hall and could make out Zoe dancing with some man he'd never seen before. He'd heard of Hiro being part of the league before he and the other new members had joined up, but he didn't know that Zoe and him had had a relationship. He looked back at Marisol. "You're a bitch, you know that?"
"Aww, poor baby, can't handle the truth?" she asked mockingly. She laughed and hugged Psymon around the waist, being rewarded with a harsh shove from him. "What is with you, Psymon? You can see for yourself, Zoe doesn't want you. You are just her pet, just her toy."
"It's not true," Psymon whispered. He could hear it then, in the back of his mind. The laughter that always haunted him, alway followed him. He put his hands to his head, squeezing his eyes shut. A small groan escaped his lips. "Shut-up, all of you shut-up."
"What is the matter, Psy? Having trouble dealing with the knowledge that you're only good for one thing?" Marisol asked, touching his shoulder. He rounded on her, knocking down.
"Don't interrupt me when I'm talking to myself," he shouted at her. He gasped softy in pain as the roar of voices started up again.
What are you afraid of, Psymon? That it's true. Look at her with that man. She used you.
"No," Psymon whimpered. He looked at Marisol. "This is your fault. You brought them here."
"Brought who?" Marisol asked, getting up. Psymon growled, stalking closer to her. Marisol backed away quickly. "What the hell is wrong with you?"
"I don't like lies, Marisol. I don't like games, either," he answered, standing in front of her. "You have been a thorn in my side since Garibaldi. I'm not sure why you presist to bother me, but I've had it. Why can't you leave me alone?"
"Because you should be with me," Marisol yelled. Psymon blinked, stepping back. He looked Marisol over, then grinned wolfishly.
"I should be with you because I'm only good for one, thing right?" the Canadian said, his voice barely above a low growl. He tapped his hip, his finger pointed towards his crotch. "Is this all you want me for, too? God damn, Marisol, I'm more than just a dick. I'm human, too."
"Could've fooled me," the woman snapped. "You are little more than an animal, Psy."
Psymon reacted before he could stop himself, slapping her hard. She stumbled back from him, then fell hard on her rear. Pysmon looked down at her, glaring. "If you ever come near me again and try to get in my pants or between me and Zoe, I'll do more than just slap you around."
"Stark, what the hell is going on?" Tenkai shouted coming out, Brodi and Luther in tow. Luther got Psymon in a bear hug from behind and held him fast. Brodi knealt next to Marisol, who had begun crying. Tenkai looked Psymon over. "I don't know what exactly just happened out here, but I do know that once I report this back to the other officials, you're history."
"Suits me just fine. I don't want to be around where I'm not wanted," Psymon answered, relaxing in Luther's grip. He already had a pretty good idea what they all thought of him now. None of them had been here for the start of it all. He looked up as Brodi stepped up to him. Behind him, Psymon could see Tenkai leading Marisol back inside. Luther released Psymon and followed the others in.
"The angry man defeats himself, Psy," the older man said softly. "Wanna talk about it?"
"What's there to say? She came on to me, again, and I reacted badly," Psymon answered, walking over and sitting on a stone bench. Brodi followed and sat down beside him.
"You've had a lot of stress to deal with lately. I don't blame you for your emotions being unchecked, but you're going to get bounced out of the league at this rate," Brodi replied. "What's going on with you?"
"I..I didn't really want to talk about it," Psymon said softly. "But you're my friend, and of all people, you might understand the most. I hear voices. Sometimes I can't control what I feel. I get so angry and I don't even know why. The doctors diagnosed me with schitzophrenia after my accident. Said the electricity fried something in my brain."
"Geeze, Psy," Brodi breathed. He looked at the younger man. "You're taking medication for it, right? They do have something you can take for it, don't they?"
"They gave me something, but I threw it out after a month," Psymon replied, leaning forward to rest his arms on his knees.
"Why?" Brodi asked. Psymon fished out a cigarette from his jacket's inner pocket and lit it, then took a long drag and blew the smoke into the sky.
"When I was in the hospital and in the institution, I got use to having my emotions dulled out. I learned to deal with the voices on my own," the Canadian sighed. He looked at Brodi. "I'm gone, aren't I? I mean, I've screwed up beyond repair, eh?"
"Most likely, but I'll try to talk to the officials on your behalf. Just tell me what happened out here," Brodi said. Psymon just shrugged, exhaling smoke.
"I told you what happened. Marisol came onto me, and I lost it," he answered.
"What did she say?" the older man asked.
"She said that she deserved me more because Zoe was just using me for sex. She claims Zoe's still seeing Hiro, that she's with him right now," the younger man sighed.
"Well, she is," Brodi answered. Psymon looked at him, eyes going wide. "No, no, it's not what you think. Hiro came to the benefit dinner to see all his old league mates. He asked Zoe to dance for old time's sake and she did. They only danced, Psymon. I don't know why Marisol told you that Zoe was seeing him behind you back, other than she thought it might drive you into her arms. I use to respect Marisol, but now...I don't know."
"I love Zoe, Brodi. I do. I'd like to think the feelings are returned, but some of what Marisol said hit home. Why didn't Zoe keep in touch?" Psymon asked, looking back down at his hands, hanging limply from his arms resting on his knees.
"Why didn't you?" Brodi asked. "That door of oppurtunity opens both ways."
"I know. I guess I was afraid that it was just about the sex, that somehow it was just Zoe looking for some release while on the road with the league. It's why I banged so many groupies, eh? But when I realized what I felt for Zoe.." Psymon trailed off, looking up at the night sky. He looked at Brodi. "I've only slept with her once, and I haven't been with anyone else since."
"I commend you for you loyalty. I don't think I know too many men that would wait over six months to be with someone again," the older man answered. "To put your mind at ease, Psy, I do happen to know what Zoe was doing during the off season."
"Really? What?" Psymon asked, looking at Brodi.
"Why not ask her?" Brodi asked back, nodding to the figure in the doorway. Psymon looked over, and saw Zoe standing there. She walked over as Brodi got up. "I'll go talk to the officials, Psymon. I'll do what I can to keep you in the league."
"Thanks," Psymon answered, watching him walk off. He looked at Zoe just in time to be smacked. "Ow! Well, yeah, I guess I deserved that."
"What the hell is wrong with you that you have to be so self- destructive?" Zoe shouted. Psymon shrunk back from her. He was use to being yelled at, but coming from her was too much.
"I'm sorry. She said all the right things to make me have all the wrong reactions. I shouldn't have believed it," Psymon answered. Zoe just looked at him.
"What did she tell you? That I was whoring myself out to Hiro?" Zoe asked. Psymon just nodded like a child being scolded. Zoe looked back at the dining hall. "I'm gonna go slap her around myself."
"Zoe, there's no reason that both of us should be in trouble," Psymon replied, pulling Zoe into a hug. "Let me take the blame. It's what I'm good at."
"Psy, let Brodi take care of this mess. Why don't we just go back to the hotel?" Zoe asked, pulling back from Psymon to look up at him.
"Sounds like a good idea, I'm tired of this whole charity ball shit anyway," the Canadian grumbled, putting an around her. They walked back through the dining hall, ignoring the officials calling for them, and out onto the street. Psymon guided her in the general direction of the hotel, letting her snuggle against his body as they walked. "You know, I must admit I'm a bit jealous."
"Of what?" Zoe asked looking up at him.
"Well, you've never danced with me," Psymon chuckled, giving her a hug.
"You never asked," Zoe answered. "Besides, my dance card might be filled. I do have a boyfriend, you know."
"Really now?" Psymon said, raising his pierced eyebrow. "He better looking than me, eh?"
"No, not really, he's kind squinchy," Zoe replied, then gave a yelp as Psymon literally swept her off her feet. He held her in his arms and spun once, then looked at her, both of them laughing. Psymon just held her, looking down into her eyes.
"So, you are staying with me tonight, right?" he asked softly, nuzzling her.
"Tonight, tomorrow night, forever," Zoe answered. "Now, will you put me down? My butt's getting a draft from the wind blowing up my dress."
"Sorry," Psymon murmured in her ear, letting her down. He held her against him, his body swaying slightly to music only he could hear. Zoe chuckled softly. Psymon sighed and pulled back from her, taking her hand in his. The walked back to the hotel silently, words didn't need to be formed to express what they felt between them.
Once back at the hotel, Zoe went to her room to collect her belongings. Psymon waited out in the hall, leaned against the wall. They had talked a bit on the way up, and decided that she should just stay with him. If Tenkai and Marisol got their way and he was bounced from the league, then this one night might be all he got with her before having to leave. Once back in BC, he didn't know when, or if, he'd see her next. So, he figured if he had to leave, the least he could do was give her his room. After a few moments, Zoe came out with her bag.
"I left the room key where Kaori and Elise can find it," she explained as Psymon took her bag. They walked down to his room quietly, then entered. Psymon set her bag down on a chair and sighed.
"I don't want this to end," he said softly.
"Us, or the tour?" Zoe asked, sitting on his bed.
"Both," Psymon answered. He sat down beside her and put his arm around her shoulders, hugging her. "I need the sports, I'm not good at anything else." He looked at her. "And I need you."
"It's going to be okay," Zoe replied. "Brodi will handle it. The most they'll probably do is suspend you for thenext couple of events."
"Yay," Psymon answered flatly. He got up and took his jacket and shirt off then went into the bathroom and looked at himself in the mirror, turning the water on in the sink. He could see Zoe standing in the door way behind him. He leaned down and splashed some water on his face, then dried of with a towel that was hanging nearby. He straightened up and looked at Zoe's reflection in the mirror. "I know you worry about me, love, but I think you're right. Thing's'll work out."
"Of course they will," Zoe said, hugging him from behind. Psymon closed his eyes, putting his arms over hers where they crossed his chest. He turned to face her, opening his eyes and looking down at her.
"You can have the bathroom love, I'm going to go get ready for bed," he said softly. Zoe just nodded, reluctantly letting him go. Psymon walked back to the main area of the hotel, hearing the bathroom door shut behind him. He sat down on the bed and took off his shoes and socks, then stood up and removed his pants. Climbing into bed, he sighed softly, settling back on the pillows. He lay there, eyes closed, listening to Zoe move around in the bathroom. After awhile, she joined him in bed, snuggling close. Psymon put an arm around her, opening his eyes. He looked down at her, surprised she was nude. Well, why not? He was, too. "You forgot your clothes, Zoe?"
"Purposely," she answered, leaning up to kiss him. Psymon held her close, wrapping his arms around her. Zoe pulled back and looked at him. "I believe we did have a bargain."
"Eh?" Psymon asked.
"You go to the dinner, I do more than just sleep," she answered, eyes showing a mischievous gleam. Psymon just smiled and pulled her back down into a kiss.
A loud pounding on the door, or maybe in his skull, woke Psymon up. He glanced at the clock and saw it wasn't even 8am. Early, too damn early. He felt something was partially under him and looked down to see Zoe snoozing softly against his chest. He kissed her forehead and rolled over, then sat up. He looked up at the pounding, realizing it was coming from the door after all. He got up and pulled on some pants, then pulled the covers back over Zoe and walked to the door. Opening it, he rubbed his eyes then looked at Brodi.
"You have any idea what time it is, Zen master?" Psymon asked, leaning against the doorframe. He had opened the door only enough to look out.
"Yeah, but I thought you'd want to know what the officials decided," the older man answered.
"Lay it on me," Psymon replied, sighing.
"You can stay. They got Marisol to tell them what really happened and they didn't really find you at fault. However, you are both suspended from the Megaplex events. They don't want you fighting anymore, Psy," Brodi said. "I think this is your last chance."
"I know. Thanks for talking with them, Brodi," Psymon answered.
"I didn't talk to them," Brodi said. "Kaori did. She heard Marisol talking to Hiro on her way back from the balcony. She told me to tell you the kindness was returned. You got any idea what that means?"
"Did she and Mac hook up?" Psymon asked. Brodi just nodded. "Then yeah, I know what it means."
"By the way, Elise wanted me to ask if you knew where Zoe is. All her stuff is gone and she left her room key behind," Brodi said. Psymon just opened the door more so that Brodi could see the sleeping form in his bed. The surfer just nodded. "Is she staying with you now?"
"Yeah," Psymon answered, looking at Zoe. "Now...and always."
Later, much later, after the Megaplex events, Zoe watched Psymon sleeping. How long had they been together now? Two months? Three? There was trust between them, complete and unending. They had no secrets between them. So, how come she couldn't tell Psymon this one little thing now? How would he take it? She heard Psymon call her name softly in his sleep and cuddled up to him. She felt safe in his strong arms, like he could protect her from anything. He was all she ever wanted...wasn't he?
End...?
"I want to finish what we started at Garibaldi," she replied, walking closer. She reached up to stroke his cheek, then let out a gasp of pain as he caught her wrist in a tight grip.
"It already was finished, Marisol. I told you no," the Canadian warned menacingly. He pushed her hand away from him, shoving her entire being. "Now, leave me alone."
"You think Zoe really cares about you anymore that what you have between your legs?" Marsiol hissed. Psymon looked at her. The woman just smirked. "That's right, big boy, she used you. She's still using you. Why do you think she didn't keep in touch with you during the off season?"
"That's not true! She was busy, we were both busy," Psymon snapped. "We've got lives other than the snowboarding."
"So that's why she was with Hiro during the off season," Marisol gloated. "She's been seeing him behind your back. Hell, she's with him right now."
Psymon looked back at the dining hall and could make out Zoe dancing with some man he'd never seen before. He'd heard of Hiro being part of the league before he and the other new members had joined up, but he didn't know that Zoe and him had had a relationship. He looked back at Marisol. "You're a bitch, you know that?"
"Aww, poor baby, can't handle the truth?" she asked mockingly. She laughed and hugged Psymon around the waist, being rewarded with a harsh shove from him. "What is with you, Psymon? You can see for yourself, Zoe doesn't want you. You are just her pet, just her toy."
"It's not true," Psymon whispered. He could hear it then, in the back of his mind. The laughter that always haunted him, alway followed him. He put his hands to his head, squeezing his eyes shut. A small groan escaped his lips. "Shut-up, all of you shut-up."
"What is the matter, Psy? Having trouble dealing with the knowledge that you're only good for one thing?" Marisol asked, touching his shoulder. He rounded on her, knocking down.
"Don't interrupt me when I'm talking to myself," he shouted at her. He gasped softy in pain as the roar of voices started up again.
What are you afraid of, Psymon? That it's true. Look at her with that man. She used you.
"No," Psymon whimpered. He looked at Marisol. "This is your fault. You brought them here."
"Brought who?" Marisol asked, getting up. Psymon growled, stalking closer to her. Marisol backed away quickly. "What the hell is wrong with you?"
"I don't like lies, Marisol. I don't like games, either," he answered, standing in front of her. "You have been a thorn in my side since Garibaldi. I'm not sure why you presist to bother me, but I've had it. Why can't you leave me alone?"
"Because you should be with me," Marisol yelled. Psymon blinked, stepping back. He looked Marisol over, then grinned wolfishly.
"I should be with you because I'm only good for one, thing right?" the Canadian said, his voice barely above a low growl. He tapped his hip, his finger pointed towards his crotch. "Is this all you want me for, too? God damn, Marisol, I'm more than just a dick. I'm human, too."
"Could've fooled me," the woman snapped. "You are little more than an animal, Psy."
Psymon reacted before he could stop himself, slapping her hard. She stumbled back from him, then fell hard on her rear. Pysmon looked down at her, glaring. "If you ever come near me again and try to get in my pants or between me and Zoe, I'll do more than just slap you around."
"Stark, what the hell is going on?" Tenkai shouted coming out, Brodi and Luther in tow. Luther got Psymon in a bear hug from behind and held him fast. Brodi knealt next to Marisol, who had begun crying. Tenkai looked Psymon over. "I don't know what exactly just happened out here, but I do know that once I report this back to the other officials, you're history."
"Suits me just fine. I don't want to be around where I'm not wanted," Psymon answered, relaxing in Luther's grip. He already had a pretty good idea what they all thought of him now. None of them had been here for the start of it all. He looked up as Brodi stepped up to him. Behind him, Psymon could see Tenkai leading Marisol back inside. Luther released Psymon and followed the others in.
"The angry man defeats himself, Psy," the older man said softly. "Wanna talk about it?"
"What's there to say? She came on to me, again, and I reacted badly," Psymon answered, walking over and sitting on a stone bench. Brodi followed and sat down beside him.
"You've had a lot of stress to deal with lately. I don't blame you for your emotions being unchecked, but you're going to get bounced out of the league at this rate," Brodi replied. "What's going on with you?"
"I..I didn't really want to talk about it," Psymon said softly. "But you're my friend, and of all people, you might understand the most. I hear voices. Sometimes I can't control what I feel. I get so angry and I don't even know why. The doctors diagnosed me with schitzophrenia after my accident. Said the electricity fried something in my brain."
"Geeze, Psy," Brodi breathed. He looked at the younger man. "You're taking medication for it, right? They do have something you can take for it, don't they?"
"They gave me something, but I threw it out after a month," Psymon replied, leaning forward to rest his arms on his knees.
"Why?" Brodi asked. Psymon fished out a cigarette from his jacket's inner pocket and lit it, then took a long drag and blew the smoke into the sky.
"When I was in the hospital and in the institution, I got use to having my emotions dulled out. I learned to deal with the voices on my own," the Canadian sighed. He looked at Brodi. "I'm gone, aren't I? I mean, I've screwed up beyond repair, eh?"
"Most likely, but I'll try to talk to the officials on your behalf. Just tell me what happened out here," Brodi said. Psymon just shrugged, exhaling smoke.
"I told you what happened. Marisol came onto me, and I lost it," he answered.
"What did she say?" the older man asked.
"She said that she deserved me more because Zoe was just using me for sex. She claims Zoe's still seeing Hiro, that she's with him right now," the younger man sighed.
"Well, she is," Brodi answered. Psymon looked at him, eyes going wide. "No, no, it's not what you think. Hiro came to the benefit dinner to see all his old league mates. He asked Zoe to dance for old time's sake and she did. They only danced, Psymon. I don't know why Marisol told you that Zoe was seeing him behind you back, other than she thought it might drive you into her arms. I use to respect Marisol, but now...I don't know."
"I love Zoe, Brodi. I do. I'd like to think the feelings are returned, but some of what Marisol said hit home. Why didn't Zoe keep in touch?" Psymon asked, looking back down at his hands, hanging limply from his arms resting on his knees.
"Why didn't you?" Brodi asked. "That door of oppurtunity opens both ways."
"I know. I guess I was afraid that it was just about the sex, that somehow it was just Zoe looking for some release while on the road with the league. It's why I banged so many groupies, eh? But when I realized what I felt for Zoe.." Psymon trailed off, looking up at the night sky. He looked at Brodi. "I've only slept with her once, and I haven't been with anyone else since."
"I commend you for you loyalty. I don't think I know too many men that would wait over six months to be with someone again," the older man answered. "To put your mind at ease, Psy, I do happen to know what Zoe was doing during the off season."
"Really? What?" Psymon asked, looking at Brodi.
"Why not ask her?" Brodi asked back, nodding to the figure in the doorway. Psymon looked over, and saw Zoe standing there. She walked over as Brodi got up. "I'll go talk to the officials, Psymon. I'll do what I can to keep you in the league."
"Thanks," Psymon answered, watching him walk off. He looked at Zoe just in time to be smacked. "Ow! Well, yeah, I guess I deserved that."
"What the hell is wrong with you that you have to be so self- destructive?" Zoe shouted. Psymon shrunk back from her. He was use to being yelled at, but coming from her was too much.
"I'm sorry. She said all the right things to make me have all the wrong reactions. I shouldn't have believed it," Psymon answered. Zoe just looked at him.
"What did she tell you? That I was whoring myself out to Hiro?" Zoe asked. Psymon just nodded like a child being scolded. Zoe looked back at the dining hall. "I'm gonna go slap her around myself."
"Zoe, there's no reason that both of us should be in trouble," Psymon replied, pulling Zoe into a hug. "Let me take the blame. It's what I'm good at."
"Psy, let Brodi take care of this mess. Why don't we just go back to the hotel?" Zoe asked, pulling back from Psymon to look up at him.
"Sounds like a good idea, I'm tired of this whole charity ball shit anyway," the Canadian grumbled, putting an around her. They walked back through the dining hall, ignoring the officials calling for them, and out onto the street. Psymon guided her in the general direction of the hotel, letting her snuggle against his body as they walked. "You know, I must admit I'm a bit jealous."
"Of what?" Zoe asked looking up at him.
"Well, you've never danced with me," Psymon chuckled, giving her a hug.
"You never asked," Zoe answered. "Besides, my dance card might be filled. I do have a boyfriend, you know."
"Really now?" Psymon said, raising his pierced eyebrow. "He better looking than me, eh?"
"No, not really, he's kind squinchy," Zoe replied, then gave a yelp as Psymon literally swept her off her feet. He held her in his arms and spun once, then looked at her, both of them laughing. Psymon just held her, looking down into her eyes.
"So, you are staying with me tonight, right?" he asked softly, nuzzling her.
"Tonight, tomorrow night, forever," Zoe answered. "Now, will you put me down? My butt's getting a draft from the wind blowing up my dress."
"Sorry," Psymon murmured in her ear, letting her down. He held her against him, his body swaying slightly to music only he could hear. Zoe chuckled softly. Psymon sighed and pulled back from her, taking her hand in his. The walked back to the hotel silently, words didn't need to be formed to express what they felt between them.
Once back at the hotel, Zoe went to her room to collect her belongings. Psymon waited out in the hall, leaned against the wall. They had talked a bit on the way up, and decided that she should just stay with him. If Tenkai and Marisol got their way and he was bounced from the league, then this one night might be all he got with her before having to leave. Once back in BC, he didn't know when, or if, he'd see her next. So, he figured if he had to leave, the least he could do was give her his room. After a few moments, Zoe came out with her bag.
"I left the room key where Kaori and Elise can find it," she explained as Psymon took her bag. They walked down to his room quietly, then entered. Psymon set her bag down on a chair and sighed.
"I don't want this to end," he said softly.
"Us, or the tour?" Zoe asked, sitting on his bed.
"Both," Psymon answered. He sat down beside her and put his arm around her shoulders, hugging her. "I need the sports, I'm not good at anything else." He looked at her. "And I need you."
"It's going to be okay," Zoe replied. "Brodi will handle it. The most they'll probably do is suspend you for thenext couple of events."
"Yay," Psymon answered flatly. He got up and took his jacket and shirt off then went into the bathroom and looked at himself in the mirror, turning the water on in the sink. He could see Zoe standing in the door way behind him. He leaned down and splashed some water on his face, then dried of with a towel that was hanging nearby. He straightened up and looked at Zoe's reflection in the mirror. "I know you worry about me, love, but I think you're right. Thing's'll work out."
"Of course they will," Zoe said, hugging him from behind. Psymon closed his eyes, putting his arms over hers where they crossed his chest. He turned to face her, opening his eyes and looking down at her.
"You can have the bathroom love, I'm going to go get ready for bed," he said softly. Zoe just nodded, reluctantly letting him go. Psymon walked back to the main area of the hotel, hearing the bathroom door shut behind him. He sat down on the bed and took off his shoes and socks, then stood up and removed his pants. Climbing into bed, he sighed softly, settling back on the pillows. He lay there, eyes closed, listening to Zoe move around in the bathroom. After awhile, she joined him in bed, snuggling close. Psymon put an arm around her, opening his eyes. He looked down at her, surprised she was nude. Well, why not? He was, too. "You forgot your clothes, Zoe?"
"Purposely," she answered, leaning up to kiss him. Psymon held her close, wrapping his arms around her. Zoe pulled back and looked at him. "I believe we did have a bargain."
"Eh?" Psymon asked.
"You go to the dinner, I do more than just sleep," she answered, eyes showing a mischievous gleam. Psymon just smiled and pulled her back down into a kiss.
A loud pounding on the door, or maybe in his skull, woke Psymon up. He glanced at the clock and saw it wasn't even 8am. Early, too damn early. He felt something was partially under him and looked down to see Zoe snoozing softly against his chest. He kissed her forehead and rolled over, then sat up. He looked up at the pounding, realizing it was coming from the door after all. He got up and pulled on some pants, then pulled the covers back over Zoe and walked to the door. Opening it, he rubbed his eyes then looked at Brodi.
"You have any idea what time it is, Zen master?" Psymon asked, leaning against the doorframe. He had opened the door only enough to look out.
"Yeah, but I thought you'd want to know what the officials decided," the older man answered.
"Lay it on me," Psymon replied, sighing.
"You can stay. They got Marisol to tell them what really happened and they didn't really find you at fault. However, you are both suspended from the Megaplex events. They don't want you fighting anymore, Psy," Brodi said. "I think this is your last chance."
"I know. Thanks for talking with them, Brodi," Psymon answered.
"I didn't talk to them," Brodi said. "Kaori did. She heard Marisol talking to Hiro on her way back from the balcony. She told me to tell you the kindness was returned. You got any idea what that means?"
"Did she and Mac hook up?" Psymon asked. Brodi just nodded. "Then yeah, I know what it means."
"By the way, Elise wanted me to ask if you knew where Zoe is. All her stuff is gone and she left her room key behind," Brodi said. Psymon just opened the door more so that Brodi could see the sleeping form in his bed. The surfer just nodded. "Is she staying with you now?"
"Yeah," Psymon answered, looking at Zoe. "Now...and always."
Later, much later, after the Megaplex events, Zoe watched Psymon sleeping. How long had they been together now? Two months? Three? There was trust between them, complete and unending. They had no secrets between them. So, how come she couldn't tell Psymon this one little thing now? How would he take it? She heard Psymon call her name softly in his sleep and cuddled up to him. She felt safe in his strong arms, like he could protect her from anything. He was all she ever wanted...wasn't he?
End...?