No-One But You (The Zephyr Endeavor)
Chapter 25: (s)AINT (Part 5)

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It got pretty loud at Sister Margaret's. Ezekiel Stane didn't mind all the noise at first, but his mood began to shift after Wade Wilson was approached by someone for the millionth time.

He was a popular person. Wade was also friendly, yet crude. It seemed like his "friends" at the bar were lining up to trade insults with the talkative mercenary.

They also asked him about his "new girl" a million times, and that question caused Ezekiel's alcohol intake to increase. The barflies really wanted to learn more about "Rae-Ann", but that wasn't happening….

Ezekiel wasn't known for being friendly, or kind and gentle toward anyone. No thanks. He only spoke to Deadpool cuz he wanted to, and he almost finished the bottle of booze all on his own. It's safe to say the Jackal was drunk at that point, and he wanted to leave…

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"OKAY he friggen left… FINALLY. Now, I just have one more question for you, Miss Rae-Ann. One report said that you're always playing chess in your head. It said people are just chess pieces to you, and nothing more. Is that true?"

…

Playing chess? Wait. Yes. Ezekiel was taught to always play chess in his head. It was drilled in his brain and expected of him, so….

He wasn't doing any of that in that precise moment, but he was observing everything Wade was doing and saying. The Jackal enjoyed how he spoke to people, and it was hard to pry his focus away from him… sometimes.

Oh, right… are people just chess pieces? Ezekiel recalled the question, and the empty bottle almost slipped out of his hand. Wade noticed that he was drunk, and he tried not to grin. Well, he wasn't blackout drunk, but he was getting there. Seeing Ezekiel in that state was one of his favorite things. Viva freedom.

He watched as "Rae-Ann" swallowed down a word or two before he/she gave any sort of response. The Jackal's mind was focused more on leaving. He wanted to leave, with Wade, but he also didn't mind the question.

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"It depends on the person, but yes. I usually see others as chess pieces, and nothing more."

…

Ezekiel had more to add to that, and he brought the empty bottle up a bit off the table. He pointed it at Wade, then he finished his thought.

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"If I see someone as a chess piece, it should be a compliment. That means the person has some actual value, or…"

…

Some shit. Ezekiel actually shrugged off his own logic. Usually people were often offended to know they were seen as a "chess piece", but the Jackal didn't see things in the same way.

Wade pondered what he heard, then the man looked down at his wristwatch. He checked the time, then he looked toward the exit. He didn't want to bore his adorable date with anymore questions. So, without further ado, the mercenary smiled at Ezekiel Stane, then he stood up.

The same thing always happened between them when they drank the night away at Sister Margaret's. Wade was hoping the habit hadn't died, just like the time they spent together hooking up at his place.

The old "habit" consisted of Ezekiel getting way too drunk to walk, and Wade carrying him all the way home. That drunk Jackal stood up too, but boy was he stubborn. He tried to make a break toward the exit on his own, but he found himself leaning all his weight up against Wade.

Deadpool was the only thing in the room that wasn't moving, and a number of words suddenly filled "Rae-Ann's" mind where he stood.

Words like steady, structured, indestructible, strong, powerful and secure. It was a good list of qualities for a person to have, and Ezekiel never felt that way about himself. He never really felt that way about anyone else out there either, and for some reason it was on his mind.

Things felt safe, with Wade, or whatever, so the Jackal did something familiar after that. He wrapped his arms around Wade's neck, and he pressed his face against his supportive back. He let the mercenary give him something called a piggyback ride all the way to his place.

His appearance as Rae-Ann remained up until they reached the Bronx. Ezekiel watched as Wade fished for his keys and unlocked the door. He got the door open eventually, and he walked the quiet coyote in.

The moment was too familiar, and pretty domestic. Wade helped Ezekiel find his feet, and he didn't really look at "Rae-Ann" as he removed his jacket and shoes. The mercenary even tossed his keys off toward a pile of junk mail.

Uhm, ok, he glanced in Rae-Ann's direction after a bit, and he almost said something about it. He didn't have to tho, cuz that face and body changed from Rae-Ann's to Ezekiel's as soon as the coast was clear.

That disguise FINALLLlllllyyyyyy disappeared, and Wade celebrated the win right there by the front door. He inwardly rejoiced and he glanced around for some confetti and balloons to toss up into the air.

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"Hey there, Shiny."

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Wade was beyond glad to see him. The real him. Actually, he longed to see Ezekiel's face and his true self all damn day. He touched his arms a little, just to make sure they were real. The quiet coyote gave a small smile after Wade said what he did. The nickname "Shiny" was growing on him, so Ezekiel quietly chewed on the right side of his bottom lip.

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"Hello Wade."

…

He wanted him, right then and there, but the Jackal was forever coy. His smile was noticed, and Wade asked if they could kiss. Remember, consent was always key for the man who wore red and black, so he controlled himself and asked for some permission.

Chapter: END

Thanks for reading.