HI LOVES. Hope you enjoy the Coachella episode part 1! x Let me know your guesses for what happrns next!

In the golden afternoon light of a spacious and well-decorated California house, Zac leans over Vanessa's shoulder, his presence a warm and reassuring shadow. The high ceilings and large windows fill the room with natural light, highlighting the tasteful decor: a mix of modern and rustic elements that elevate the atmosphere. The soft hum of the computer and the smell of freshly brewed coffee add to the serene ambiance.

Vanessa's eyes are focused on the screen, her fingers deftly navigating through the tabs.

Zac's curiosity is piqued. "Whatcha doing?" he asks, his voice gentle and filled with genuine interest as he places his chin on her shoulder and places a kiss on her neck.

"Nothing," she sighed, defeated.

"Doesn't look like nothing…" He hummed against her neck. "Coachella?"

"Yes…. but these dates are impossible. Ugh!" She groaned. "I haven't been in ages. I miss it."

"Aww, babe. I'm sure something will work out." He reassures her as he rubs her shoulders.

"Doesn't look like it. Wait - do you want to go?" She looks up at him.

"Together?"

"No. I'm going to buy separate tickets for separate weekends for us and you can go alone. Of course, I mean together!" She teased him.

He hadn't been to Coachella in years. Not due to lack of time or interest, it was just that it was such a highly packed and publicized event. He had enjoyed going years ago when people barely knew who he was, but now? It was a fan frenzy waiting to happen.

"I want to…."

"I know. I know. It's too public." She sighed in frustration. She wanted nothing more than to forget her responsibilities and their status and just be free to enjoy a festival.

"So what's the situation?" He tried to divert her attention from his reservations.

"Well, I need to be in Italy for the Venice film festival and then the moment I land I have to take Kai to Portland to be with his dad and then I'm booked to come back to LA. But the only flight that was available makes two stops with a long layover before getting to LA the NEXT day - which is ridiculous but it is what it is."

"Babe, that's brutal." He knew they both traveled a lot but her schedule these days in particular really worried him at times. He knew she kept up a brave face but all the travel definitely took its toll. There were times she'd come off a long flight and wouldn't even have the energy to eat or speak and would sleep for two days straight. The first time it happened, he was so scared, he had to check her pulse and make sure she was still breathing.

"I know it is. Ugh. I would love to go. Honestly, if I had a private jet at least I wouldn't have to go through all that transit and maybe I'd have enough energy to make it to Coachella," she joked. "But that's so excessive… Anyways… I guess there's always next year."

As she busied herself with household chores, Zac's mind was working overtime. There must be a way to make Coachella possible for her.

A few text messages later, he had found a solution.

As Vanessa was sorting out her groceries, she saw him smiling at his phone out of the corner of her eye.

"What's making you smile?" she asked.

"Nothing… just happy to be here… with you." He rounded the kitchen counter and wrapped her up in his arms.

"Oh really? Hand over the phone, cheese ball." She attempted to swipe his phone but his reflexes were far superior.

"It's nothing - seriously." Luckily, just at that moment his dad had sent over some videos of Olivia and Henry so he showed them to her instead. "Just Liv and Henry. Here, look."

"Aww. They're adorable," she cooed as she watched the videos in his embrace.

"It's the Efron gene you know." He stated proudly.

"Yeah… I do know a thing or two about that," she winked at him. "I can't wait to meet them…"

"Me neither. It's going to be amazing. So… what do you want for brunch?" Zac asked, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"No more pancakes." Vanessa replied, looking at him pointedly.

"Damn! That hurts my feelings, babe. You know I'm the Chief Brand Officer of a pancake company." Zac said, feigning a pout.

Vanessa laughed, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Oh, I know, babe. The pantry is filled with so many boxes I could probably build a house with them! But… that doesn't mean we have to have them every Sunday, yeah?"

Zac chuckled, pulling her closer and resting his forehead against hers. "Well, if you insist on no pancakes, what do you want?"

Vanessa smiled, her fingers gently tracing patterns on his chest. "Honestly, I just want some eggs. Maybe with a side of toast?"

"Eggs, huh? I think I can manage that," Zac said, leaning in to kiss the tip of her nose. "But you have to admit, my pancakes are pretty amazing."

She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him even closer. "They are, but sometimes a girl just wants something different."

Zac's hand moved to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing softly against her skin. "Different, huh? Alright, then. Pancakes without the flour, milk and chocolate chips. So just the eggs. Hah. Anything for you."

Vanessa's eyes sparkled as she leaned in, their lips meeting in a tender kiss. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Zac replied, his voice warm with affection. "Alright now, will you be my sous chef?"

"Nah, I'm just going to sit here looking pretty." She hopped on a kitchen stool and gave him a wide grin as he shook his head.

"Wow. First you insult my pancakes now you don't even wanna help me make your eggs? I see how it is."

"Yup. Hmm… I should get you one of those kiss the cook aprons," she said with her chin on her hand

"You know you can do that anyway, right?" he cocked his head to the side with a smirk on his face.

"Yeah, but it's still cute."

"Hmmm… I'll keep that in mind. Now, Ms. Hudgens - any song requests?"

"What!?" she exclaimed. He loved singing and would always sing in the shower or along with her during car rides but he would always shy away from a solo performance.

"Step right up - pick any song." He held out his phone playlist and turned on the Bluetooth speaker in the kitchen.

"A singing chef. Woooow. To what do I owe this surprise?"

"Well… it's no Coachella but… I hope you'll show this next performer some love," he said as he turned on "Your Song" from Moulin Rouge.

"Aww baby. Nah, this is better than Coachella."

He performed the whole song with theatrics while flipping the eggs in the pan. She watched in awe and gave a resounding applause when he finished his performance.

He bowed and thanked her for the appreciation. "Your eggs, madame," he passed her a beautiful garnished plate of food across the table.

"Why, thank you chef!" She took a bite of food and sighed in pleasure. "This is so good. Thank you, baby. Brunch and a show? I'm a lucky gal."

"Nah, luck's all mine," he kissed her.