Infinity Chapter 87 - Grounding

[itztigress3]

Chapter 87 – Grounding
POV: Zac
Word count:  3780


June 30, 2014; Monday

  It was an early morning for me, I left Emily and Alexander both still asleep at home and went to the studio, I was taking over most of her duties for the moment and she was pretty much confined to home. It was safer for her to be there with Detective Walker or an agent than it was for her to be out here, not that I was alone. Agent Roger’s was my personal bodyguard and he rode with me to the studio and sat in the hallway monitoring the doors. I was the first one to arrive and sat down at her desk to get started.

Sean came in about 8 am and paused at the door. “You’re here early, is Emily here?”

“She’s not coming in today; I think she plans to come in later this week. I’m doing her job this morning and then mine.”

“Fun. Is there anything I can do?”

“Whatever she told you to; uh...do me a big favor though. Make sure the warehouse stays clean and tidy.”

He smiled. “I’ve been warned about atomic explosions.”

“There not pretty I assure you.”

He leaned against the door frame and paused a moment. “Is everything ok with you? I obviously don’t know all the details of what’s been going on, but it seems to revolve around you two.”

“I’m ok Sean. How are you and Amanda?”

He smiled widely then. “We’re good. She’s actually really nice and we agreed to take things slow. I see similarities between her and Emily, but perhaps my view on Ems is skewed since I’ve not been around her when she wasn’t pregnant.”

“She’s really not any different when she’s not. Maybe less sexual and her fuse isn’t quite as short.”

“I saw her grab your rear end the other day, noticed you both vanished for a bit after that.”

I know I blushed. “She’s hypersexual when she’s pregnant, worse this time because with Alexander she was so sick.”

“I’ve heard. Hey, Amanda came to my show this weekend too!”

“How did that go?”

 “Pretty well actually, she didn’t jump me or hurt anyone that managed to touch me.”

“I don’t see how you do it; Emily would kill them and then me.”

He tilted his head. “You say that like you wouldn’t do the same thing if it was her on the stage.”

“I’d have a problem with it for sure. It’s why we reserve pole dancing for the bedroom.”

“She mentioned knowing how to use one, she got a clouded look though.”

“Velma is the one who taught her.”

He nodded. “Well, if there is anything I can do let me know, otherwise I’ll be on the floor.”

I smiled and he left the room, I finished replying to a billion e-mails it seemed like and then I closed everything down and went to the studio, set up some stuff that we had unhooked. I was bent over the desk trying to find a wire when I felt like eyes were on me. I only glanced behind to see Casey and Robert standing at the door, by the look of their faces and the tightness of the jeans, my being in this position was enticing to them both.

It really didn’t bother me much, as she had pointed out that just because I’m not viewing the things they do in that manner, does not mean they will not see me that way. Clearly I had the ability to turn them on and Casey had memories of me being bent over something to recall, where as Robert did not.

“Seriously guys, you want to go back home and take care of those problems?”

“No, but I kind of wish Emily was here.” Casey said.

“No you don’t, trust me.”

“Is she keeping you up all night?” Robert asked.

“Something like that, she has mellowed just a bit, but I really think it’s because she’s fucking miserable right now.”

“Miserable?” Robert asked.

“She was due Saturday and it’s making her antsy.”

“I bet. Alexander was right on time.” Casey said.

“The doctor assured her last Monday she could be late this time, it’s just waiting.”

They giggled. “Not that you’re not antsy or anything, what time did you get here?” Casey asked.

“Like 6:30, I had to process the order before 9 and get things sent in.”

They pulled up chairs and we started to discuss what had to be done today, which was mostly practice and determining set lists. Casey and Robert weren’t really needed but they were setting up things and Robert was just here for company mostly. Taylor, Isaac, and I had our conference at 10 and they were antsy too.

“Trust me guys when she goes into labor she’ll call if I’m not there.”

“That is only part of our problem.” Ike said.

“Ok, so what’s the other part?”

“What are you two doing while we’re in Australia?” Taylor asked.

“She’s going with us, I was pretty sure all of our family was going for a bit anyway.”

“So, she’s not staying here?” Ike asked.

“Hell no, I won’t let her stay here alone with a newborn and Alexander.”

“So, who’s going to help her? Sure our wives and kids are going, but no one else is.” Taylor asked.

“What do you mean?” I asked.

“You’ll be busy with us with interviews, radio shows, promos, and the shows. It’s going to be her and Alexander and the baby, which
he’ll be what? Eight weeks or so? Added, she’ll be alone there and honestly I don’t see Ian following us that far but I don’t put it past him either.” Isaac said.

I hadn’t really considered that. “I’m sure the FBI will send someone with us.”

“So what about Ian?” Taylor asked.

“What about him Tay?”

“It’s been relatively quite since she came home, is it really that way or are you just not telling anyone about messages or e-mails?”

“It has been quiet and honestly it’s helped me a lot. I’ve talked to Zander a few times about things but nothing that requires much more than his advice. If he’s sending anything, then I’m not getting it. This would mean either of you or Emily intercepted them and she’s too calm for that.”

“You don’t find that weird?” Ike asked.

I shifted in my seat. I didn’t like the direction of this conversation. What started as concern for Emily was going into how I felt and I wasn’t good with that still.

“Yes, I find it weird that he seems to have dropped off the earth. But, maybe that means he’s given up on me.”

The words tumbled from my lips but I didn’t believe them, I knew Ian wouldn’t be giving up and I was certain they knew that was a lie as well, yet neither called me out and the conversation steered back to planning and deciding what to do. I stayed plugged into the conversation because it distracted my thoughts, yet once we broke for lunch about 12:30 they came back. Casey had my favorite Mexicali order on the desk when I came in and he was the only one there, I silently thanked the gods for that one.

“Where is Robert?”

“He’s watching his nephew this afternoon, so he headed out to get him. He’s just going to stay there but that was fine with me, we don’t have to be together all the time.”

I sat down and the smell was amazing and I swear the moan that slipped from my mouth on the first bite wasn’t intentional and I honestly didn’t think it had until I saw the way Casey was looking at me.

“You keep moaning like that and I’m going to go eat with Taylor, so I don’t have to change clothes.”

“Sorry.” I mumbled.

He laughed. “No you’re not. You never were before.”

“Your right, I’m not. It’s too good to be sorry.”

To emphasize I totally moaned on purpose for the second bite and he shifted in the seat and I directed my attention back to the food. It was quite for what felt like hours but really was just minutes. I demolished the taco and moved on, I’d skipped breakfast.

“Have you heard from her today?”

“She texted me when she got up, sent me a video of Alexander playing the piano, not real well but he was just beating the keys. Taylor would cringe at how hard. She’s actually asleep, sent me a message about 11:30 said they were taking a nap.”

“No baby?”

“No baby. But, we know he could be late or early or on time.”

He finished eating and then slid over to my desk and waited on me to finish, once I was it was clear he wanted to talk. He wasn’t sure if he was going with us to Australia or not, I think he was but I wasn’t totally sure.

“So, she hasn’t said anything about Eliza, how did their meeting go?”

“It went really well. Eliza was jealous.”  I then spent the next ten minutes going over their conversation.

“Well, that can definitely cause problems. Have they talked since then?”

“Yeah. We’re still a bit iffy with Alexander being around her a lot, Emily’s still trying to determine if she’s wanting to really be there. They’ve talked over the phone about every day, not always calls just texts and Eliza said once the baby is here she’d get something.”

“Do you think Eliza wants to stick around?”

“I do, she sounded so different when she called me that day. Almost like she knew all this time Emily was there but the concept that she might not be there anymore was more than she could handle. She’s uh, having some issues with her husband though.”

“Well, hopefully she can work them out. So they can talk without Emily getting pissed off?”

“Yes and no. Emily asked her not to really discuss David right now, um she was fine telling her about their brothers, about their nephews, and sister-in-laws but she can’t talk about David. Eliza has questions about him and Emily knows that, but she just can’t. Um, Ace came up over the weekend and they all sat down so he for a formal meeting with Eliza. He couldn’t believe it.”

“Has Emily let her take a picture of them yet?”

“No. She doesn’t want to do that until she’s positive she’s going to be there. I think Ace sneaked one of them on the sofa but he won’t admit to it. Emily won’t even let her touch her really, she’ll handle a hug but that’s about it.”

“How is Alexander around her?”

“He’s not there much really; if I’m there I take him up-stairs for a bit. When Ace was there he was fine to play with him but he doesn’t really go near Eliza yet, he looks at her and then Emily and I think he’s just confused on who she is.”

“Probably. So, how are you? You seem happier and just totally different than how you were before he took her.”

I sat back in the chair. “Before he took her everything in my head was so fucked up that I wasn’t really sure who cared and who didn’t. The only person I knew that did was Alexander. It wasn’t until he took her that I kind of, I don’t know, I guess when she wasn’t there it made it easier to see that I did love her and she did love me.”

“It didn’t help that he made you think she was dead Zac.”

“Thinking that she was dead was the worst feeling in the world, just as bad as thinking Alexander was. It made me realize how evil Ian was, I’ve talked to Zander a few times about things because he understands what he did.”

“If Zander helps then you should talk to him. Sex wise, you seem a little better with the teasing and well, obviously Robert and I can’t quite hide things from you.”

“Oh no, I notice. You’re not exactly hard to miss, neither is he apparently?”

“He’s no you but he’s good enough. See, that’s what I mean you seem fine to talk to me but the concept of doing a lot more is what just stops you, once that barrier is reached you seem to stop.”

I hadn’t told anyone that since everything had happened, Emily and I had done things in that area, the shower was only the first time since then but now she couldn’t really do much, yet I was a little afraid the first time but since then it’s been fine. Yet, anytime I consider asking Casey to come over or even Robert I just can’t. The door was closed already so I could talk freely.

“I can talk about it, even the things we did before. Honestly, she and I have done those things since just us. I feel comfortable with her but when I start to consider calling you and Robert I just can’t. It’s like her panic attacks and I just can’t. I really don’t know why, because I know that if I asked you or Robert to stop, you would.”

“Of course we would, we wouldn’t want you to feel like you’re being forced to do anything. We’re not into forcing anyone to do things they don’t want too.”

“I don’t know why when I consider someone else I just can’t. I don’t think it’s a trust issue either.”

“Could be you are afraid that we wouldn’t stop if you asked, it’s basically what Ian did Zac. You asked him to stop and he didn’t. Emily is your wife and deep down you know she will because she’s not going to want to hurt you, added hers are toys. Robert and I aren’t toys.”

“I am fully aware that you are not rubber and latex.”

“I think you just need time and it seems like you can’t explain why, which is fine really. There doesn’t have to be a reason why. But you know I’d be more than happy to say yes, assuming Robert is fine with it as well. ”

“I get the distinct feeling he wouldn’t mind as long as he was there. He seems to be as enticed as you are when I lean over or bend over or hell moan.”

He giggled and I smiled. “Serious note...do you think Ian is gone? You haven’t gotten anything.”

“Ian hasn’t sent me any messages or e-mails, but I don’t think he is gone. He was too adamant about me and wanting me there. I think he realized he messed up by sending me home. He thought Emily was different. I’m not sure what his plan is now, I mean he seemed to want our son which is strange.”

“Not if you look at it from his perspective Zac. Your son is part of you and he may have realized that taking you is near impossible now, but the baby is easier to move around with. People tend to pity single fathers or parents. He can raise that child to be what he wants, some slave to him.”

I nodded. “Which is why she’s being watched so carefully now. The FBI is still actively looking for him and following every lead they can, but he seems to have vanished. I think he under estimated Robert and the guy, Logan. Dear god Casey…”

“Did they tell you about him as well? Robert really hasn’t mentioned him.”

“They couldn’t tell us all but in a nutshell Ian got to him when he was younger, convinced him his family didn’t care and that he did. Once he was fully broken though he just treated him like a slave. He’s the one that told me to fake it really; I didn’t think I needed too. He abused him mentally, physically, and even sexually. Apparently Glen is not a slave but he is submissive to Ian. Speaking of Glen…”

“What did he do?”

“He’s sending her messages basically daily now, it was a few then it’s gotten worse. Same basic shit Adam said and there have been a few with exact wording, so we think Adam must have sent him something or he found something with those words.”

“Is that why she’s not leaving the house much?”

“Partially yes, he keeps telling her she’ll be his and he’ll make sure to do the job right this time.”

“I don’t see Ems being that scared Zac, she wasn’t that freaked out with Adam and she knew him far better than she does Glen.”

“If she wasn’t due any day she probably wouldn’t be. She’s not stupid Casey; she knows she’s way more vulnerable right now. She can’t run fast, she can’t afford to fall or anything, she’s very vulnerable and she knows that.”

“So, I’ve been thinking and I think I will go with you guys. Even if it’s not to help the band, I’ll be there to help her. Robert is not going though but he supports the decision to go. Honestly, it may determine if we really have something because if he can’t trust me this time, we don’t.”

“Taylor and Isaac asked about that earlier. I hadn’t even considered it. Do you think trust is an issue?”

“Don’t need to consider it anymore and not really. But, if he can’t handle us being across the world then how can he on tours when I am needed?”

“That is very true.”

When my ringtone went off he smiled. “Baby?!”

I read the message and giggled. “No, she’s complaining because she can’t get comfortable and wants me to grab dinner on the way home.”

“No, you need a real meal every now and then. Let her know I’ll be fixing dinner tonight and I’ll be there about four.”

I raised my eyebrow but sent the message which got a smiley face in return and following that was a list...

“Um, wow…So, apparently I’m giving you my bank card and you’re going shopping.”

“I am?” he asked.

A few moments later he got the same text, a list of things we either needed or had to have at the house.

“I guess I need to leave earlier…”

We both then laughed and it was a good thing to be able to laugh and be happy. I just hoped it lasted. Casey left about 2 and we finished our meetings and getting things ready and set, we still had time really but we knew once she did have little bean I wasn’t going to be as available for a week or two. I left at 4:30 and when I came in our back door Casey was standing in the kitchen cutting up an assortment of vegetables but he had this pink frilly looking apron on.

“Um, what did you do that pissed her off?”

“Nothing, I just pulled it out of the drawer and went with it.”

“Where are they?”

“She took Alexander for a bathe; he um…got into the flour I left on the floor. He’s very quick. Reminds me of you and flour, I cleaned up down here and she took him for a bath.”

“I’ll go help her then I am sure she needs it.”

“I am too; he was acting wild when I got here.”

I went up the steps and found her sitting on the toilet while Alexander played in the tub, but he still had his clothes on and she looked exhausted.

“Um, babe why is he still dressed?”

“Because I can’t chase him right now and once I got my hands on him I just put him in the confined tub.”

“That bad?”

“There is flour in his room, the hallway, our bed, and I think the music room. I heard drums briefly as I was running the water. I was actually about to have Casey come up.”

“No need, he can finish dinner and I’ll handle him. But, Detective Walker went home and Detectives Robertson and Agent Thompson are here.”

“Ok. I’ll get him his bed clothes and have things ready.”

I smiled; she did that while I got him out of the floured and wet clothes and got the flour from his hair. Emily looked very tired as she sat down to watch, the oversexed drive was present, but the last day or so she had slowed down some.
“Why don’t you go help Casey or watch him and I’ll finish getting him bathed and then clean up?”

“I can help.”


“It’s ok Ems.”

She nodded and got up and went downstairs. I got him bathed and re-dressed and then while he ran around up here with me I cleaned up what he had messed up. He had gotten flour everywhere but it was easy to clean up. I went back down with him and found Casey quietly fixing dinner and Emily asleep on the sofa.

“I’m going to let her sleep, take him out for fresh air.”

“Ok. Be safe though.”

I took Alexander to the back yard and let him play with the outside toys and run the extras energy off before Casey called us for dinner. We didn’t wake her up until dinner was ready and after dinner I told her to go on to bed, it was clear she needed to sleep and rest.

“I sent Robert a message while you were helping, Robert has Elijah tomorrow too but I asked him to come here. It will give Alexander someone to play with and Robert and I can let her rest.”

“I think that might be a good idea.”

He handed me my bank card and smiled. “Thanks for the new TV.”

I giggled. “No problem. Thank you for stopping.”

“Anytime. I’m going to head home though and we’ll be over about eight.”

I nodded, he left and I got to spend some one on one time with Alexander, at least until it was his bedtime and then I got him ready and down for the night. I sat in his room waiting for him to go to sleep, Casey going to Australia was good but she needed someone that could really protect her. I asked the agent here and he wasn’t assuring, outside the country they had no jurisdiction and that could be a problem. But, I made the request anyway, because if no one else had it, she and the babies needed it. Emily was awake when I laid down and I pulled her back against me, knowing she’d sleep better and she was asleep before me.