Demons without Desire

Manipulation

A few hours later I was stood in the kitchen still muttering away to myself as I made dinner.

I had found out Zak's favourite dinner was Beef stew and dumplings. Quite a combo if you take in the Vegas heat but still he liked it and I did promise to make his favourite..

So here I was finishing off the last of Beef stew and Dumplings all whilst talking to Gracie and myself.

I didn't know if Aaron or Billy were staying for dinner, I had simply presumed and cooked enough to feed a small army. They would need something other than pistachios and Starbucks coffees in them. Especially Aaron who was on painkillers for his knee, I hadn't missed the knee brace as he came into the house. He even panicked when Gracie ran towards him, that's how I knew he was in pain.

Slowly turning myself on the kitchen stool my mind wandered off. It wasn't unusual, and I was thinking about a lot of things, past experiences, memories, opportunities and the future.

The cooker went off making me turn in my seat and slip off it to turn the oven off. Checking the food quickly, I closed the door and set the table before placing the large pot in the centre of the table next to a plate of freshly sliced bread.

Standing back I admired my work on the stew and smiled. "That's what I'm taking about."

I left the kitchen and went upstairs to the study, knocking the door before hand.

"Why are you knocking?!" I heard Zak call from inside.

I walked in and looked at him "Because you're 'talking' " I answered doing the bunny ears.

He gave me a look and I folded my arms back at him.

"What's wrong?" He asked looking at me.

"I've made Aaron and Billy dinner. You can stay here... Moody."

"Owh sweet! What have we got?" Aaron asked standing up and flexing his knee before he began walking.

"Beef stew and dumplings." I responded making Zak's head snap up.

"Dude...." Billy spoke as he hurried Aaron from the room.

"Bro I can't go any faster!" He groaned. I watched as they both tried to race downstairs making me giggle.

Looking back in the study Zak was still sat on the couch "You made my favourite?" He asked.

"Yeah, even though you're an asshat." I replied as he stood up and made his way over to me.

His hands moved my hair back before Zak smiled "Can I have dinner? Please?"

I rolled my eyes "I guess..." I replied before grinning. Giving me a kiss Zak took my hand and pulled me down to the kitchen where Billy and Aaron had got themselves drinks and we're waiting for us.

"Oh tuck in guys." I said before getting myself and Zak drinks.

We sat down and served ourselves the stew before falling into conversation. I was curious to know about this lockdown and why everything was under cloak and dagger.

"How's your knee Aaron?" I asked starting the conversation.

"Bad. Got to wear this for a couple months and hope that it gets better. Sucks really cause I like to walk the strip most nights and now I can't."

I nodded "Maybe small distances? Or even a treadmill?"

"I'll try small distances first, see what it's like. I try to keep myself busy but it aches."

"I didn't know you had to wear it for that long." Zak frowned.

"Yeah me either." Billy joined.

"That's what the nurse said, but I'm still good to go on lockdowns. This brace won't hold me back." He smiled.