Desire ch. 95 - Birthdays and The Challenge

[itztigress3]

Chapter 95 – Birthdays and The Challenges
POV:  Emily
Word Count: 4335
Note: Crossover with koolies20 and her story, Not Alone

November 17, 2012

Zac had let me sleep during the night but I had to get up once and pump at least, so I got up with Alexander that time and let him. Being able to sleep longer than 45 minutes at a time was good and I was finding I was more lucid and able to really do more when I slept. I had a decent supply because during the day Zac would feed him once or twice but we decided to get a good supply up for holidays, in case it was just easier or in case I couldn’t drop what I was doing and feed him.

We were at Taylor’s house by 10 am for Isaac’s birthday today. Taylor was cooking and while I know Zac had to be hungry he refused to eat anything.

“My cooking is not bad.” Taylor said.

“I’m meeting them for the challenge today Tay, if I stuff myself with your cooking I’ll surely lose tonight.”

“That’s right!” Taylor said.

“Dude, you better win for not eating anything here, not even cake?”

“Oh...I’ll eat a small piece. Mom made it and I am not passing that up!”

I smiled and Casey walked up with a plate full. “Doesn’t bother me.”

Zac just looked at him and then he smiled. “Go ahead Casey, eat up.”

Casey smiled and did just that, it was just noon. The little shirt that Maddi had brought up last time was a great thing here, I didn’t have to leave the room or hide myself for thirty minutes while he ate. But, aside from feeding him, he was pretty much passed around to family members and eventually Diana took him and shooed people away as she laid him on the sofa and made people leave him alone. I sat down and asked her why she did. So she explained that passing him around could make him nervous and upset, which can be bad. She had 7 kids; I was inclined to believe her. We left Ike’s at 4:30 and everyone headed over. Taylor and Isaac were riding together because Nikki said she didn’t want to see a bunch of men be pigs and try to overstuff themselves and Natalie said the same. Casey was headed home afterwards so he drove his own car. Zac and I took the truck and he’d made sure Alexander was strapped in well.

“Are you going to tell me what this something is? I’d like to know what I am going to be watching them do.”

“Nope. Maddi and I agreed none of can have a clue otherwise you may cheat.”

He wiggled his eyebrow at me. “Please?”

“Nope. Well, I can tell you one thing…Casey told me to bring a paddle if he wins.”

“Seriously? He said that?”

“Apparently when he said whipping ass he meant it. He even specified his favorite one which is my favorite as well. I’d advise you eat fast.”

“No kidding. Well, Max or I either one would eliminate that.”

“Um, actually if you remember the conversation Max said he should warn you, I get the feeling they both did that.”

“Perfect.” He rolled his eyes and we pulled into the parking lot. Maddi’s car was already here, Zac got Alexander’s car seat and we went inside.

Max, Maddi and Riley were sitting at a table off to the right side but there was girl with them, I hadn't seen her before but by the way she looked it was clear she knew exactly who we were. We walked over to the table and Zac and I gave Maddi a hug, Riley was snoozing in her car seat. I saw Zac sit Alexander down and he shook max’s hand.

“Hey Max, you ready to go down?”

“Ha! Fat Chance. I got this shit.”

“Considering Casey ate everything on his plate at Ike’s party, one of you has a chance!” I said.

I heard the ding and then Casey’s voice rang out. “Don’t count me out! Hey Max, Maddi. Oh my god is that Jessica? The last time I saw her she was almost nine.”

The girl turned and looked confused. “Casey? Like Max’s friend Casey?”

He feigned hurt looking. “I see, I’m that forgettable? It’s just because Zac Hanson is here right kiddo?”

“No! I am just not sure why you’re here? No offense! I just thought you were still in California.” She got up and gave him a huge hug.

“I moved to Tulsa a little over two years ago.” He replied.

“Yep, you moved out right after our wedding in 2010.” I said.

“Sure Casey, no one remembers you because I’m here…”

“So wait you KNOW Hanson?!”

Zac and I giggled, Casey knew a lot about one Hanson.

“Um, yes. Kiddo I’ve know giggle pants here since he was 13 or 14.”

“I was almost 14 when I met your crazy self.”

“Oh. My. God.” I heard the chime and it seemed like she just stopped, speechless and I turned and Ike and Taylor were walking in.

“I swear Taylor you drove 10 miles under the speed limit and I saw a grandmother zoom past us!”

“I drive safely dude, get over it.”

I smiled, careful Taylor he was, driving with him was like snail pace.

“It’s better to get somewhere late than get somewhere dead.” Max said and he reached out and shook Taylor and Ike’s hands and introduced himself, Maddi, and Riley but not Jessica.

Taylor and Ike glanced at us confused on who the blonde haired blue eyes teenager was there.

“Since Max is being rude, I thought I taught him better manners, Jessica this is Hanson, I’m sure you know who is who. This is Emily Zac’s wife and Alexander who is hidden, their son.”

She instantly looked at Taylor. “Hi Taylor.” Her smile was ear to ear, so clear who her favorite was.

“Never fails….they always for Taylor.” Zac quipped.

“For sure…” Ike said.

“Well, least it’s not you again Zac, I mean really all of my brothers spouses like you…” I nudged him gently.

Max and Maddi laughed. “You should see her room. It’s possible she has more pictures and posters of you guys than all of you combined.”

Jessica blushed some but Maddi grinned. “She isn’t kidding. I’m pretty sure she used Hanson posters for wallpaper.”

I laughed. “I can top her easily I am sure.” I winked at her a bit, but honestly I don’t think she heard anything but Taylor telling her Hi and that she can ignore his brothers.

"That's probably true." Max shook Jessica's arm a bit. "Hey don't you have something you wanted to give?"

Jessica turned bright red and pulled an envelope out of her purse. She walked over to Isaac and handed it to him. "I know it's your birthday today so I got you this. Happy birthday!"

He smiled and read her card, then thanked her and gave her a big hug. He started to move away but saw me get my phone out and paused.

“Ike, stand with her a moment longer and hold your card up. I want a picture and I am sure she won’t mind.”

Her face lit up and she was all smiled when I took it.

“Thank you!” She said

“Alright Zac, get over there, you don’t escape and Taylor don’t even think about sitting down…”

He paused mid-sitting position and then stood back up. Zac moved over and put his arm around her shoulder, I snapped a photo, then Taylor moved over and I was about to hit the button when he leaned over and kissed her temple. She instantly turned two shades redder.

“Show off!!” Ike and Zac said.

I laughed. “Group shot and Taylor, Please. She looks stunned enough…”

I saw Max and Maddi smiling at the table. We then sat down and Taylor held up a sheet of paper.

“Ike and I talked after we left and well, we think this is fair. We’ll put you each at a table and we’ll sit here with Maddi and the others.

None of us will root you on, that way no one can say so and so distracted them. Although, others in the restaurant are beyond our control, obviously you got to stick to the rules of the challenge.”

“Sounds fair.” Zac said.

“I agree with Zac, Max do you agree?”

“Yep, sounds good!” Max said.

Isaac collected our orders including drinks and took them to the guy at the counter; we've been through this before it was usually far easier for 1 person to talk than everyone. I had stuck with a cheeseburger, fries and a sweet tea and all the trimmings. Ike and Taylor went with the same thing just without some of the trimmings. Maddi and Jessica went with a bacon cheeseburger but Maddi had no onions and added mushrooms.

The boys obviously chose the challenge and I think Zac may have bitten off more than he chew, the challenge was a 2 pound patty, 1 pound of bacon, 2 4 oz hot, 8 slices of American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, a pound of bread, and a pound of fries. Zac stuck to not adding anything extra to his while Casey went with mayo and mustard and Max just ketchup.

I was certain there was no way in hell Zac was going to finish that…

After Isaac returned we idly chatted while we waited. Jessica talked with Zac, Taylor, and Isaac and I chatted with Maddi about new experiences and the pump sometimes hurting. Casey and Max chatted idly as well. Riley and Alexander slept.
Ray brought out the normal orders first and then situated three single tables right near us, when he sat them down I made Casey and Zac swap places, putting Casey in the middle. Zac would not blame me as a distraction when Alexander was hungry, which would be soon. I only did that when I had too. A moment later three other brought out there and holy fuck! I saw the look Zac gave me, there was no way in hell he or Casey could finish that.

“Alright fellas you have one hour to eat everything. Our current record holder is 48 minutes and 52 seconds. If anyone can beat that time you get a certificate and your meal is free. If you finish you get your name on the wall of Fat, if you don’t it’s the wall of shame.”
Max looked so calm and determined; he smiled when he saw Zac’s reaction. Casey looked calm and they all nodded. He set a timer that was above the bar and another employee started the clock and Casey and Max dug in, Zac however took a few moments to cut his into sections.

The rest of us ate and chatted idly and watched them, Casey was halfway fucking done at 15 minutes!

“Fucking hell, I didn't think Casey could eat that fast!”

“Dude....He's like some champ in the Memphis Kookamonda Challenge, did you guys not know?” Ike asked.

None of us had heard of it but Ike, so Maddi looked it up. “Holy shit that’s huge makes this look a hamburger from McDonalds!”

She passed around her phone. “That bitch is 7 pounds of burger!”

“Isaac! You could have warned poor Zac and Max, they have like zero chance.” I said.

“Hey, Zac has whipped Casey’s ass in everything else, I figured Casey deserves this.” He beamed.

I giggled but didn’t say Casey had literally whipped him before. I felt bad for them though, there was no way they were beating him, and he was almost done with everything. I heard Alexander whimper some and checked on him through the side of the blanket, he was still asleep but moving some. It was closing in on his next feeding anyway and I knew he would need to be changed. I was about to say excuse me when Casey held his hands up, 29 minutes and 33 seconds. Zac looked at him totally stunned and Max did too. Everyone cheered and I heard Riley when she woke up.

“Congratulations Casey, guys Alexander is whimpering so I’m going to take him to be changed and then I’ll be back.”

He definitely needed changing so I changed him quickly and fixed his clothes then ran into how do I carry everything back? So he had to go back into the car seat which he hated unless we were riding or he was sleeping, sadly this was neither of those. I walked back and Zac looked up at me as I sat back down. I got him out and was about to just proceed and realized a lot of people were here and since Taylor was beside me I asked him to put it over us, he did quickly and held it away a bit just so I could get Alexander adjusted. Zac glared but kept eating. Riley was already eating away. Max held his hands up at 47 minutes but Zac looked like he was going to be sick but he kept eating and I watched as Casey reached over and grabbed a fry from his plate.

“Well, seems Riley decided it was her turn for a diaper change, we shall return.” Maddi said and Jessica handed her the diaper bag. Taylor got up and went as well.

“Jess?” I asked.

She looked at me. “Yes?”

“Can you help me for a moment? He’s finished now I just need someone to hold it so I can fix my shirt and then remove it.”

“Sure, I help Maddi all the time.”

She moved and held the shirt for me while I fixed the buttons. “Isn’t that one of Zac’s shirts?”

“It is, I only have two buttons up shirts and neither fit right now.”

Maddi returned and sat down. I burped Alexander real quick and Jessica she got to see him awake.

“Gosh he looks like Zac! But, he definitely has your eyes.” She got his hand

“He’s like an exact copy of Zac, sleeps like him, throws tantrums like him.”

I glanced to Zac who was definitely pretty much done for, he looked like he was about to be sick or at best pass out. He was not driving home.

“Would you like to hold him? Zac’s pretty much in a food coma at the moment so no worries from paranoid dad. Just, please no photos.”

“I would love to hold him. I understand, you haven’t really released any photos at all.”

“We’re waiting until he’s older.” I carefully handed him to her and she was a natural, didn’t need to remind her about supporting his head and back at all.

The buzzer went off and I looked at Zac, he would never live this down. He’d gotten most of the burger down but hardly any of the fries. Maddi returned with Riley as Ray came over. He handed Casey and Max their prizes and asked Zac for his name, which he only gave him his first name. When he pressed, Casey told him Smith and Zac looked grateful for that.

“So, anyone up for ice cream?” Isaac asked.

Zac groaned but Casey and Max smiled. “If you’re buying, sure!” Casey said.

“Ditto.” Max said.

Zac gave them evil looks and I looked at Isaac. “I think Zac’s done for Ike, he looks like he might be in a food coma.”

“I want Ice cream.” Tay said and after a few moments everyone wanted something but Zac who couldn’t even answer. I wondered if he was going to keep what he had eaten down. Everyone ordered a hot fudge Sunday but Casey and Max, Max went with vanilla and Casey chocolate. While we waited the three of them joined us again, Zac took Taylor’s seat beside me.

Taylor smiled at Maddi. “Hey Maddi, do you mind if I hold her?”

She smiled. “Not at all.”

She moved around and handed Riley to Taylor, then returned to her seat. Taylor was a natural so when Riley began to fuss he cooed and she stopped.

Isaac looked at Taylor. “You have to teach me that.”

Taylor smiled down at Riley. “It's a natural ability dude, sorry.”

Zac just slid down farther in his seat and I wondered if he really was going to be sick…

Casey looked at Zac. “Zac if you’re going to be sick we'd all appreciate you do that in the bathroom. Riley and Alexander have permission, you don't.”

Jessica must have been feeling more comfortable because out of nowhere she said. “No kidding, I don’t want to have to tell me friends I got to see Zac Hanson throw up.”

“So, I’m going to apologize right quick but Zac you sucked at that challenge. If we digitized the burger would it have been better?” Ike grinned.

“Uh, you mean if we shrunk the burger, removed the fries, and then digitized it?” Tay smiled.

“I tried to tell them both I was going to whip their asses. Evidently neither listened.”

Our ice creams arrived and Zac looked at Jess as she adjusted Alexander in her arms, still making sure he was covered, supported, and comfortable. Isaac asked to hold Riley and Maddi agreed, so Taylor handed her to Ike who actually was far better at eating and holding.

Max looked at Zac. “So, Zac you really were all talk and no show there.”

Zac looked at him. “Need I remind you that you also lost and that you and I don’t know what they have planned? So, maybe you shouldn’t brag too much. As for you two, I ate more than either of you!”

“Ahh, Zac’s out of his food coma.”  I said.

Again, everyone giggled and we finished our ice cream. We were finishing up our ice cream and Zac looked over to Jessica. “Would you like some bragging rights to your friends?”

She got a big smile on her face. "Yes please!"

"If Max is ok with you coming with Emily and I we can take you to the studio and let you hear one of the new songs. I'm sure Taylor and Ike wouldn't mind and might come as well."

Max looked at Jessica then at Zac, “I’m not sure, this is a pretty crazy group, and it will probably be…”

Jessica looked at him and cut him off. “Pleeeeeaasseee Max!”

Max laughed “Of course you can go! I wasn’t really going to say no, just wanted to scare you a bit, it’s what big brothers do.”

Isaac and Taylor laughed. “It sure is how many times did we tell you no Zac?”

“I lost count and you still do sometimes.”

“Only when you deserve it or your ego gets too big, or I can keep going.” Taylor said.

I looked at Max. "I promise she'll be fine, I cannot promise they won't give her mass quantities of Mt. dew and then bring her back though. It might be kind of late, is that ok?"

"Hey it’s not everyday someone gets to meet their favorite band. By all means spoil her rotten however you choose. I will wait up no rush." Max said.

All three of them looked at Max and smiled, god help him when she got back from this trip.

I looked at Casey. "I'll text you what we chose to do and you can choose to be part of it, but I have the feeling you will. I think we'll head out now since we're apparently going to the studio."

“We should be getting to the hotel too, get her settled in and rest up ourselves. Let me know what Casey chooses to do so I can be prepared.” Maddi said.

“I’ll do a conference text, that way you know what he says. I’ll let the guys spoil Jessica I can inspect and make sure I don’t need to come in Monday and scream at anyone.”

Casey looked nervous. “The desk is a bit messy, but nothing like last time. Ok, I’m heading out.”

He gave everyone hugs and the babies got kisses before he left, his meal was free. Zac picked up the entire tab for everyone and while he handled that Isaac and Taylor said their byes to Maddi and Max, Isaac put Riley into her car seat and strapped her in. They then left. I put Alexander’s up and Jessica carefully put him in and buckled him up; he woke up though and didn’t like the seat. I covered him up and Zac said bye to Maddi and Max quickly and took him on to the car.

“I’ll aim for ten but if it’s later I will call you.”

“No problem. She’s been a fan for a while so I’m glad Zac’s not all pissed he lost.”

“One thing about them, they love making fans happy. Honestly, I think he knew he had no chance. Casey came from nowhere, but I’ll send that message when we arrive at the studio.”

They smiled and we walked out. Jessica got to ride in the front with me as Zac was in the back trying to calm Alexander down and he was screaming by the time we made it to the studio, Taylor and Isaac were already there, we got out and Zac got him and got him inside quickly.

“I can’t believe I get to see the studio!”

“I’m sure they’ll take pictures while you’re here, but if you take any please ask us first whether or not you can share, no pictures in the studio unless they tell you too.”

She nodded. “I just can’t believe I’m here.”

Zac had Alexander out of his seat and bouncing. “We’ll show her the warehouse and lobby areas while you get him calm.” Tay said.

I nodded and they took her down the hallway, making pit stops by their office. Zac was walking him and I smiled. “Baby, it’s almost eight. It’s feeding time.”

“Just close the hallway blinds, I’ll leave the lamp on.”

I got ready and then he handed him to me, sat with me.

“Are you really ok? I know you were hoping to win.”

“I feel entirely too full but honestly I didn’t think I would win when I saw the pictures online.”

I smiled and he sat back while Alexander finished up. He changed the diaper while I fixed clothes and Zac was the swaddle master and carried him down while I walked. They were just finishing up the tour.

“This place is amazing!” she exclaimed. I smiled and we all went to the studio. Zac pulled up the songs and started playing Get The Girl
Back. Alex moved some and I walked over and picked him up.

“Too close to the speakers.”  I carried him to the back side of the room and he was fine. She listened intently and then just gushed over the song for like ten full minutes.

“We’re thinking of making that the single.” Taylor said.

“You totally should!” She said.

I bounced Alexander softly as they talked a bit, I finally went to the studio and sat down, laid him down beside me and sent Casey and Maddi the text, he told us he’d text us an address in a bit and for them to meet him and he’d drive, I was confused really. No idea what he planned but a little later he did send me a text and I laughed some. He then pleaded to let him pick something for Zac and I finally relented. They came into the studio and Zac sat down at the studio and before I could stop him he hit the symbol and the bass and Alexander jumped and then started screaming.

“Shit! I didn’t know you were in here!”

“Where the fuck did you think I went Zac? Mars?” I asked.

I picked Alexander up and walked out, they were showing her the instruments and from her squeal Zac must have let her sit down. I rocked, bounced, swung, and tried everything but it was Taylor who came out and smiled.

“Lemme have him.”

I let him take him from me and he cooed and that didn’t work at first but then he quieted down. “Seriously, you have to tell me what you
do…” I said.

He smiled. “It’s just Uncle Tay’s touch. Isn’t that right Alexander? It’s just Uncle Tay.”

“I talked with Ike and Zac. We agreed, if you’ll get her a few of the new items right quick we’ll give them to her.”

“Ok. I’ll get some stuff right quick.”

He held him while I gathered and then we returned. “Let me guess, Uncle Tay got him quiet?” Jess asked.

“Not even three minutes. Zac if you even touch those you’ll regret it.”

He put the drum sticks back in their place and got up. We presented her with the items and she resisted squealing but it was getting close to ten, so we went ahead and left. Apparently they’ve gotten her picture sitting at the drums, holding one of the guitars, and even with Taylor’s KB. Added she got new merchandise such as the new Christmas shirt, ornament, two different t-shirts, and they were nice and signed a set of drum sticks for her.

It was true, they loved fans.

I did text Maddi to say we were going to be late, I went ahead and let Alexander nurse before we left, so he wouldn’t be screaming. Max came down to meet her and we chatted briefly before letting them get inside. We then went home ourselves. Zac got him dressed for bed and since I knew he’d be waking up soon I went ahead and fixed his diaper bag for the next day, Isaac was keeping him for a little while for us so I could torture Zac and not have to feed him or make sure he was comfortable. After his feeding I laid him down in the basinet and crashed.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Footnote:

The Kookamanga & Fat Guy's Burger bar challenges are real. You can find the websites below :)
*Links open in new window*

Fat Guy's Burger Bar

The Kookamunga Burger Challenge