Fingers Crossed (Synacky)

Chapter Five

The doctor’s office called him to let him know about his appointment, but that didn’t mean he had to sulk in his hotel room until then.

Zacky spent that night in a local venue, listening to tiny bands go crazy for a small audience. None of them were very good, all of them thought that they were, and most of them reminded Zacky of when Avenged was small. All throaty screams and high pitched guitar divebombs, it seemed as though nothing had changed in the way of starving metal artists.

He did sorta miss Brian that night as he tried to fall asleep on his own. It had been so long, years probably, since he’d had to go without the comfort of Brian’s arms around him at night. So he tossed and turned until there was gray early dawn light trickling in through the window before he managed to fall asleep.

~*~

He woke up with twenty minutes to spare before his appointment. Frustrated, Zacky flew out of bed, running a comb through his hair and grabbing his toothbrush. He put his shoes on in the elevator, swearing when he couldn’t tie his laces standing up without crouching down.

He drummed his fingers against the steering wheel through Los Angeles traffic, huffing and grumbling and barely making it to his appointment on time. The radio was playing Nightmare, Avenged Sevenfold’s biggest hit of all time, and Zacky turned it up to hear Brian’s solo. He remembered recording that song, how it had been nearly finished when Jimmy passed away. That album by far had been the worst when it came to recording experiences, but in the end, everything worked out alright.

‘Jimmy’s gone, now I’ll be the second to go.’ the thought swirled around his brain, and he sighed sadly.

Zacky was a little scared as he sat in the waiting room, and that nervousness became more intense when they called his name. But in the end, it wasn’t that bad. He had to wait an hour after they gave him a shot, and then he lay in the scanner for half an hour, which was, if anything, boring.

And that was it. They sent him off, he put his gauges back in, and he was left in LA with an afternoon to spare. He got in touch with his doctor, and she assured him he’d have the results within the first few days of the tour.

So, he decided to go home early.

Brian wasn’t home when he arrived, and Zacky felt a little relieved, crashing on the couch with a bottle of wine and the TV remote. He was in the middle of his third 50’s thriller, and nearly done with the bottle when the dogs went crazy and he heard the front door open.

He sighed, listening to the music on the TV become dramatic as the main character realized her lover was the killer. Brian’s keys jingled as they landed on the kitchen counter, and after a few more minutes, he entered the living room, carrying a bowl and a spoon. “Hey, Zee. You’re back. I went to the grocery store and got us some stuff and um, I was wondering if you wanted some ice cream-“

“Fuck that.” Zacky set the wine aside, lurching to his feet and throwing his arms around Brian. “I couldn’t care less about ice cream.”

Brian grinned, setting the bowl on the side table before hugging Zacky tight. “Did you miss me?”

“Yeah, I did.” Zacky hiccupped. “I’m not gonna do that ever again.”

Brian chuckled softly, cupping Zacky’s face in his hands and kissing him. “I love you, Zacky.”

“Mm, you know I love you, Bri. Now help me take off these fucking annoying clothes.”

Brian chuckled, reaching around Zacky and grabbing the wine bottle, looking at its label. “Pinot Noir? Getting out the best stuff, are we?” he took a sip from what was left in the bottle, closing his eyes to savor it. “Something tells me you weren’t drinking this for the taste.”

“Give it here.” Zacky reached for the bottle, but Brian pulled it away. “No way. You’ve had enough. You left hardly any for me.”

“I need some good wine before the tour.” Zacky tugged at Brian’s shirt. “I also need some good sex, so…”

“Hey, hey, hey, slow down. I just brought groceries home. I’ve gotta put them away, and-“

“No, they can wait.” Zacky took Brian’s hand and tugged him to their bedroom. “I’m not going to live forever, babe, and I want to take advantage of you as much as I possibly can.”

“I don’t know, I feel sorta bad about doing stuff with you when you’re drunk…” Brian took another sip of the wine. “Especially when I’m sober.”

“We’re engaged, remember?” Zacky shut the door behind them, pausing to fiddle with his shirt. “Don’t feel bad, we’re practically married already.”

“But then you can’t really feel it.” Brian’s breath was hot on Zacky’s ear, sending shivers up and down Zacky’s spine. “You can’t really enjoy the full extent of every touch, every sensation. Your mind is marred by drink, my love, and I want you to have more than that. I want you to have everything.”

“I don’t need everything.” Zacky managed to tug off his shirt, slinging his arms around Brian’s neck. “I need you, and I have you. Now, kiss me.”

Brian did kiss Zacky, calloused hands running over the smooth, porcelain skin his shirt had been covering. Zacky backed up, pulling Brian to their bed, and they crashed down onto it.

“Look at you.” Brian pulled away, eyes alight, “You’re stunning, Zacky.”

“And I’m all yours, Bri.” Zacky whispered, “If you like what you see, go ahead and take it.”

“Well then,” Brian’s lips found Zacky’s neck, and Zacky gasped, fingers tangling in his hair. His voice was soft on Zacky’s skin as he replied, “there’s no way in hell I can turn down that offer, now can I?”