It was a relief to actually not be held by Orion. Zachary wasn't afraid of him, but at that moment he didn't want anyone touching him, even though he had his palms pressed against the man's chest along with his forehead. He took about two minutes to steady himself, then leaned back with one final, relaxing sigh. His eyes rose to meet Orion's once he was completely calm, a small, embarrassed smile on his face. "Thank you, Orion."

The man mirrored his smile with one of his own, though embarrassment was nowhere to be seen on his face. What could be read with just the short amount of time Zach managed to keep his eyes from lowering was a look of pride and possibly a bit of intrigue.

I don't know why anything about me would be intriguing.

"You are welcome, Zachary. I got your clothing while the chef cooked your meal and put them in one of the washers."

When Zach felt his face drain of color Orion chuckled, raising a hand to cover some of his own mouth, as if the gesture was a little embarrassing.

"It is alright. I took the money out, it's on the nightstand. Come." He said, guiding Zachary out of the room. Relief flooded his system when he saw his meager change sitting on the nightstand right where Orion said it would be.

"Here ya go, these should fit until your clothing is dry."

Before he could reply Zachary had to jerk his hands up to catch the pair of shorts being tossed to him. His eyes widened when he held them up, noticing that there wasn't a single hole and the colors weren't faded or stained.

Wow.

He couldn't help but grin as he tugged them on. Compared to his one pair of pants, they looked brand new! A shirt swiftly followed, not giving him any time to dwell on the shorts before he had to catch the other article of clothing. When he tried to get it over his head he paused, because Orion had walked over and was now tugging at the drawstrings Zach had missed. Orion's fingers deftly got a nice knot tied, making the shorts fit much better on his narrow hips.

"There," he said, smirking up at Zachary. "Not that I would mind them falling, but I believe clothing should only be removed when someone wants sexual attention or is going to sleep."

Zach's face immediately lit up, eyes widening and mouth gaping. He could tell that Orion wanted to say something in response, or do something, but the man instead cleared his throat and stood, licking his lips before turning to walk over to a nightstand. Zachary followed him once Orion had sat down, joining him a moment later only to have a huge plate of food set in his lap. Broccoli was the dominant item on the plate, but there was also a lot of pasta, Parmesan cheese, and a bunch of chicken.

"It's Alfredo, but I told the cook to only use a little sauce because it can be hard on your stomach if you're not used to it."

He didn't care if there was or wasn't sauce. Heck, the food itself was a blessing. Even if they had just given him back his broccoli he would have been ecstatic and thanked them to no end. Staring down at the food, he let his nose take in the delicious smell and had to bite back a moan.

This is too much... but it's already made. Asking him to take it back would be rude and a waste.

After a moment of silent thought Zachary set the food aside on the blanket and got up, taking one step toward the nightstand and grabbing four crumpled-up ones from his meager savings. When he sat back down and offered Orion the money, he could see the conflict in the man's eyes. What he decided to do was actually surprising though. He took on the money, but handed him back two dollars.

"We're a restaurant as well as a club so we can get ingredients cheaper than most. It only took about two dollars to make that, so you take these two back."

It was a relief. Not just to have the two dollars back, but because of the fact that Orion didn't pity him and make him take back all of the money. It was a respectful tradeoff, even though he could tell that it upset the other man a little bit.

"Thank you," Zachary said as he set the remaining money back on the nightstand and sat back down. This time he grabbed the plate of food and folded his legs up on the bed, getting comfortable right as he began to dig in. It was absolutely delicious, even without a lot of sauce, the chef hadn't spared any spices, giving the pasta a slight kick that was perfectly sated by the small amount of sauce he did put on it.

"This is dericious," Zach said around a mouthful of chicken and noodles. He looked up at Orion to speak, but when the man frowned in response, he fidgeted, confused. When Orion forced a smile and said "I'm glad," Zachary tried to shrug off the upset he'd seen on the man's face and continue eating. He got through another two bites before worry began to make the food settle like rocks in his stomach.

"Orion?" He tried, looking back up at the man.

"Yes, Zachary?"

"Um, a-are you mad? Did I do something wrong?"

Orion seemed surprised at first, but then he almost looked nervous before answering.

"It's alright, you're hungry and I have a stupid pet peeve. It's nothing to worry about."

Even though he said that, it was definitely something that was making Zachary worry! He didn't like the way Orion had looked at him but he couldn't remember having done anyth----wait a minute.

"I-I chewed with my mouth open!" He said, excited that he figured it out... or at least that's what he thought it was. The slight grin on Orion's face told him that he was right. That, in turn, allowed him to begin relaxing. "I am sorry about that. I was taught better." Even if his parents didn't want him anymore, what was considered respectful while eating hadn't changed. Orion let out a quiet breath through his nose and reached over, gently sifting his fingers through Zachary's hair for a moment to reassure him. "It's quite alright."

"I won't do it again," Zach said as he gently leaned into the attention.

"I would appreciate that, Zachary."

When Orion moved his hand Zach felt a faint loss but he quickly began eating again, not wanting to dwell on it. He ate for another ten minutes before Orion stood, immediately garnering his attention.

"I've got to head back upstairs. I've got the only key for this room besides my boss, so I'll lock it on my way out. If you would like to sleep, go ahead. Also, if you feel the need to leave, feel free to go back out the way I brought you in. Neither of those doors are locked from the inside, but once you step out, the outer one will lock."

"Okay. Thank you very much."

Orion nodded, then ducked out of the room. The sound of a lock clicking into place settled the nerves Zachary had felt when he said he was leaving, making him worry about Brendon returning.

He can't come back if he doesn't have Orion's key.

Nodding to himself, he picked at his food for another few minutes, managing to eat half of it before feeling too full to continue. He didn't want to waste it though... Looking around the large room, he spotted a closed closet, two nightstands, and Aha. Sliding from the big bed, Zachary walked around it to the other side, then knelt and opened the small fridge. It had a few simple snacks in it like cheese and chocolate, but the rest of it was just beer cans.

Alcohol.

Just seeing the cans made his stomach hurt. Alcohol had been a big factor in his father's cheating. It always happened after he'd drunk a good amount. He probably thought that he was invincible, that even if he got caught it wouldn't change anything.

He was right.

A stray tear dripped onto the soft carpet beneath Zachary's knee, catching him off-guard.

No crying. You're free of him now. You're in control of your life, no matter how hard it is to live sometimes.

It may have sounded bad, but to him, it was the truth and it was liberating. Taking a deep breath, Zachary blew it out slowly and got himself under control. He considered taking the plate of food with him, but he didn't own the plate so he just slid it atop the cans of beer and shut the door. After walking back around and retrieving his money, sliding it into his pocket, he looked out over the large expanse of the king sized bed. He was tired from his long, awkward day. Add a fully belly to that and he really didn't want to leave. The bed had felt so soft when he'd sat on it. He could just imagine how soft it would be to sleep in. All he had to do was fall forward.

No.

The reminder of the alcohol in the fridge was more than enough to solidify his decision.

"I'll come back in a few days to return his clothing and get mine back."

The idea hurt for some reason, but he didn't try to fight it. Forcing himself to walk away from the bed, he slowly pushed open the door to the storeroom area, then back outside. The rain had died down to a drizzle, making the walk back to his alley nice... until he realized he'd forgotten his shoes!

Zachary had just turned to walk back to the club when he realized that the door would be locked.

Oh man. I can't walk into the club barefoot... or at all!

He thought about going and asking George to get them back, but just couldn't dwell up the courage to do it.

Maybe tomorrow. He told himself as he turned back around and tried finish his walk with a little less motivation in his step. If he had no shoes, he couldn't go inside places to apply for jobs, or go into the grocery store...

Darn it. No! Go get them!

Knowing that he couldn't get food or come close to a new job without the worn sneakers, he forced himself to turn back around. Just walk up to George and ask. Surely he'll have some time once the rush dies down.

With that thought he made himself walk the block back to the club. It was surprisingly busy considering the rainy weather, with people bustling in and out. He wasn't sure if there were more drunk people going in then coming out, but quite honestly, he didn't care. All he wanted was to get his shoes and go home to his alley to rest. He stood a few feet away until several patrons began to stare, drawing George's attention.

"Hello, Zachary." He said, his normal cool voice in place. It was a relief that he wasn't showing any indication of having found him in the rain earlier.

"Um, h-hi George."

Biting his lip to try and force some extra courage, Zach looked down at his bare feet, then back up at George. "I-I left my shoes..."

George's gaze lowered, then rose before he gave a slight nod.

"Go in and get them, kid. Then come right back out, got it?"

Zachary knew he could lose his job for letting him inside, so he knew darn well not to linger.

"Yes sir. I just need my shoes."

George nodded and gestured for him to go inside. Zach did, though he was terrified the second he stepped past the door. The place was huge, with three levels he could easily see from where he stood. The second and third floor were open, with walkways running around the open area leading to different doors he could barely see at his angle. On the main floor people danced, talked, ate, drank, and music swallowed every other sound.

Just get your shoes. Just get your shoes.

It was easy to tell himself that, but a whole other thing to actually do it. He had no idea where the room he'd been in was, and if his memory was correct, Orion would be upstairs... with the only key to the room besides his boss.

No. No no no.

His heart raced and he took a hesitant step forward, then got shoved to the side by a drunk patron walking in. There was no apology, or even recognition before the man disappeared into the churning crowd of bodies in the middle of the floor. After two more shoves in seconds, Zachary resigned himself to skirting along the wall. He made it all the way to the bar without another person running into him, but he felt eyes on him the whole way. He didn't risk looking around to try and find who was actually looking at him, figuring it was better that he didn't know. Instead, he looked up at the bartender.

Ah, well. At least I know one person who's been watching me.

"I don't know how you got past George, but you need to turn around and walk right back out of here, kid. This place is twenty-one and up and I can tell that you're definitely not twenty-one."

Hmph. I will be in a few months!

He understood though. Without eating regularly he looked like a teenager, but that wasn't important right then. "Sir, I don't want to be here either, but I left my shoes in Orion's room and I need them back."

The young blond male behind the bar gave him a look, then shook his head. "Okay, I don't know how you learned his real name because he sure as hell doesn't use it here. Look, just, dammit. Sit down and don't move, got it, kid?" He said as he pointed to a bar-stool that was currently vacant.

Zachary nodded immediately and did as told, climbing up into the seat. He watched the man as he pulled out his cell phone and dialed, then held it up to his ear. The entire time he did that, and spoke to the person on the other end, he watched Zach like a hawk. With the music so loud he couldn't hear anything the guy was saying, but as long as he got his shoes, he didn't care.

The man slid his phone back into his pocket a minute later, then filled two drink orders before walking over to him. "My boss is busy but she's going to get Orion to help you."

Zach nodded, unsure why he suddenly felt odd. Well, he knew why his head was pounding and his stomach hurt, that was from the ridiculously loud music and people staring at him, but he also felt a little nervous. It seemed like almost an hour passed as he waited there, but it couldn't have been more than five minutes before he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. Turning to see Orion standing beside him was a relief, but then he noticed what the man was wearing and stared, confused.

The look made Orion grin and grasp his hand, tugging him from the stool and through a small crowd. Everyone seemed to migrate out of the large man's way, knowing better than to block him from where he wanted to go. A few of the people gave them knowing looks while others almost seemed envious.

Of what? I'm nothing to be jealous over.

He quickly shook his head as Orion pushed him through a small door and into a dimly-lit hall.

Of course you're worth being jealous over. You're smart and have held several jobs, some even at the same time even though you have no home.

Zach could tell that his odd gesture had caught Orion's attention, but the man kept it to himself as he fished a key from his leather pants and unlocked the door they now stood in front of. The familiar room from before was laid out in front of them. He thought they might go straight to the other room so that he could get his shoes and leave, but when Orion gently turned him so that they were facing each other, Zachary knew he had other intentions.

"Zachary, my boss told me that you needed to see me, but you had walked through the front door?"

Zach nodded, unable to raise his eyes from his bare, damp feet. Orion must have followed his gaze, because he walked away and the sound of the other door opening met his ears. That had Zachary looking up just in time to see the man disappear into the dark room. He took two steps toward the door before hesitating. The fridge full of alcohol caught his eye. He knew he had no reason to accuse Orion of anything just because he liked to drink though. It would just take some time getting used to the cans being there.

Used to? You aren't staying so it doesn't matter what he has in his fridge.

Orion returned a moment later with his shoes in his hand. They looked terrible in comparison to his, but Zachary took them with an appreciative "Thank you."

"You're welcome. I'm glad you came back for them. I don't like the idea of you walking around barefoot outside."

His words caught Zachary a little off-guard for a moment, but then he realized it was likely only the man's caring personality that had him saying that.

"Zachary?"

Orion's whispered words made him jump, suddenly aware that he'd actually been dozing off standing up!

"I-I'm okay. Just tired." He stuttered out, making his way around the man to head for the door. "I'm gonna go."

He stepped through the first door and into the dim storeroom, heart jumping awkwardly in his chest at the thought of leaving. His feet took him right to the door that lead him outside, but when he reached up toward the handle, a firm hand settled atop his the moment he set it down on the knob. Zachary's breath caught and held as Orion's fingers gently rubbed his for a moment, then moved away. Curiosity made him turn, but his eyes, once again, couldn't meet Orion's. Instead they settled on the shiny black leather that was fastened over the man's muscled chest in smooth, taught lines. He hadn't been wearing it earlier, but somehow, it didn't look bad on him. Hell, it looked like it was made for him, as odd as that sounded.

He didn't know that he was staring until Orion's hands took hold of his and slowly lifted them until his palms were pressed against the black leather. Without any coaxing Zachary began to feel along their lengths, intrigued by how tight they were against Orion's skin but also how they felt when he slid his fingers beneath the long bands, trapping them between the strong leather and Orion's toned muscles.

His head slowly began to bow unknowingly, but the gesture was caught by Orion, who placed his hand softly against Zachary's lower back. The light pressure made him snap back to attention, but when he met Orion's eyes the older man was smiling knowingly.

"Come to bed, Zachary. I need to get back to work but I'd like for you to get some rest."

The thought to argue came to him, but just ask quickly it was washed away with the need to sleep and the chance to do so in a real bed again. Just thinking about it had him teetering on his feet. He felt strong hands steadying him, then, surprisingly, lifting him. Zachary didn't mumble a single word as he snuggled into Orion's strong arms, already beginning to doze off. He felt himself being carried but he was already so out of it that it felt almost like he was drifting. When he was set down atop the soft blankets he was nearly gone right then. The very last thing he could remember before his consciousness completely disappeared was the feeling of Orion's fingers gently moving along his neck as he tugged something into place, almost like he was fastening a large necklace, or possibly even a collar.