"Sounds like a hard life of gaming," I concluded as he finished tying my hair up in a ponytail. "Viola! My work here is done," he said with dramatic emphasis.
"Good job." I clapped while laughing. "I've always wanted a ponytail!"
"Don't laugh," he whined but began laughing with me. "I'm not super good at hair. That's why we try not to let our hair grow out too long. If we do, it's a hindrance."
"We all need haircuts," I pointed out and rose up.
"Agreed. Maybe on the weekend we'll all go and get some," he presented the option while offering his hand. "Ready to get some food? The boys said there's a special lunch today since we have some foreign students viewing the school."
I placed my hand in his before answering, "More potential transfers?"
"It's hilarious that they're trying so hard to get in," Zion pointed out while squeezing my hand. "Calvin, Rick, and I have been doing research on all of them to get background checks ready for their potential applications."
"The results so far?"
"Sketchy," he concluded. "I also found something interesting."
"What's that?"
"Leonardo's engaged."
"Huh?" I paused mid-step to stare back at Zion. "Seriously?"
"Forced engagement, two wealthy families, etc. Leonardo was merely the backbone for the R-squad financially which was why their department was trying so hard to please him. They're trying to say they want the R-squad since they’re short-staffed, but the real reason is that they need Leo to come back if they want to survive."
"That just gives me a sneaking suspicion that they're hiding something."
"Misconduct, fraud, stealing money and splitting it amongst themselves versus putting it into the task force? Just a few areas of criminal activity." Zion looked extremely happy which told me one thing.
"You guys are going to expose them."
"Damn right we are," he concluded with a wink. "I feel the summer is going to be extra sizzling, if you know what I mean."
"I'll make sure to bring some sunglasses and sunscreen," I hummed and tugged him along to the door. "I love sizzling weather. Especially if it's filled with exposing the secrets of our reality."
"True," he answered. "We'll make it fun. I promise," he vowed and lifted my hand to his lips. "Time for food."
"Indeed."
Can't wait to reveal all the enemies' little secrets.
"Why are you grumpy?" I asked Zeus as he continued to hog me while we waited in line. I swear tiny little electric shocks were flickering around his body, leaving everyone else no choice but to give their distance like we had an airborne pandemic.
He's so cute when he's being selfish.
"We haven't had alone time all semester and it's annoying," he grumbled.
"Awww," I purred. "You know if they weren't in the middle of the tour, we'd be making out right now."
"Hmph. Those elite, preppy students trying to act like they're better than us with their expensive attire and bullshit attitudes. They won't last a week here. No, a fucking day, because I'll beat the shit of them."
"Zeus," I lightly warned. "You're on the student council, remember?"
"Hmph," he began. "I'll bribe Rick to do something."
"You can't go bribing him," I reasoned.
"Why not? I'll buy him a videogame or something," he reasoned.
"Oh right. Rick's into videogames like Zion," I recalled.
"He has some competition coming up. Some shooting shit."
"The one Zion is participating in?"
"Yup," Zeus replied as we took a step forward as the line for the special meal moved upward. We were only third in line now, which was a relief because I was starving.
"That already sounds intense with them being in the same competition."
"If Zion loses, all hell will break loose in our house," he whined.
"He's not doing it at my place?" I inquired.
"He would, but he has to connect all his equipment and stuff. Remember, he gets paid millions to be in these things."
I had to turn around in his hold to give him the look of 'what the fuck'.
"What?"
"He gets paid-"
"I heard that part," I interrupted. "But did you just say he gets paid millions for a game?"
Sure. I always knew Zion played in championships and had won every competition thus far, but I didn't think he got paid millions of dollars for it.
"Ya, they get paid a ridiculous amount of money," Zeus acknowledged. "Zion is the highest paid videogamer in America. Top spot overall is Dubai since they have money to throw away, but Zion's beat Dubai every time they've been in a battle."
"Then if Zion makes that much, why doesn't Rick?"
"I asked the other day when he mentioned it, but he said he never did competitive video gaming before. It's his first time this year so they ranked him as a new challenger. The competition isn't one of those global ones or he wouldn't get to participate."
"Interesting."
The whole conversation made me want to learn more about him and his brothers. I knew pieces and those were growing in my little collection, but we hadn't gotten any chances to really get to know one another.
I wasn't going to be impatient about it, but it was one of the many priorities on my list of discoveries.
"Are you going home after lunch?" Zeus inquired.
"That makes me feel as though you need me for something," I voiced.
"Nah, just want to go home and fuck," he whispered in my ear. I smirked and turned my head just slightly to kiss his neck. It was quick and pretty concealed thanks to his broad body. I was suddenly thankful for all the working out he was doing.
"We have to do a training session together," I suggested as he tightened his hold around my waist.
"I agree. But you're always busy."
"I have art class," I admitted. "I also am subbing for Alaric this afternoon as headmaster beforehand, so I'm not sure if I'll have a bunch of work to deal with."
"Duty calls," he said with sadness.
"I'm sorry," I whispered and looked into his eyes as they danced from red to gold. "I know you miss me. I miss you more, especially our steamy alone time."
"Work is more of a priority." He didn't seem upset about it and he continued, "We've been working on helping the R-squad, making sure our department is getting cleared out of any waste-of-space agents, and I'm trying to work on myself a little more."
"On yourself. As in physically?" I inquired. "Is that why you've been working out more?"
"Sort of," he admitted. "It's not like it bothers me, but Zackery and even Lisette have awakened and we haven't yet. I know there's no formula for it yet, but I'd like to work on myself a little more. Physically, mentally. Heck, I'm trying even spiritually to meditate more. It may sound stupid."