Once More With Feeling ZAINTSEE AU

First night

Saint took his tablets and dozed happily on the sofa while Zee started making lunch. Once the pasta was cooking and the salad was all prepared he couldn't help popping into to check on Saint. Though he couldn't say it to his face, when he'd turned up at his door and collapsed in his arms Zee had been terrified. Having already lost Kara, the thought of losing Saint was unbearable. While Saint acted strong for everyone else, Zee knew how fragile his friend could be, so when he saw him so beaten that night he was terrified it would break him. But Zee should have had more faith in his friend because while he was far from ok, Saint was no where near broken.

Zee watched Saint sleep for a moment, even with the bruises Saint's beauty shone though. Zee found himself in a trance watching Saint's breathing, how his lips opened slightly on every exhale. Not for the first time Zee found himself with a strong desire to get hold of Saint and never let him go. Instead the timer buzzed in the kitchen and Zee left Saint sleeping peacefully to finish their food. Once he'd plated everything up he went to wake Saint.

Zee tapped him gently on the shoulder and called Saint's name. Saint was obviously in the middle of a dream because he sat bolt up, screamed "Get away from me!" and tried to punch Zee in the face. Luckily he missed and hit his shoulder instead. "Saint it's ok, it's me Zee. You're safe." He said trying to give Saint some space. Saint almost instantly came round and realised what he'd done. He threw his arms around Zee and apologised sincerely. "Oh god, did I hurt you? I am so so sorry!" Saint said with a quivering voice. "Hey, I'm fine, your aim is rubbish as ever." Zee said trying to lighten the mood. "Was it another nightmare?" He asked softly. Saint nodded into Zee's chest. "Want to talk about it?" He continued not wanting to push Saint but wanting him to know he had the option. Saint shook his head and Zee ruffled his hair. "Ok but the offer stands. Now, food?" Saint sat away at that question. "Do you even have to ask?" He deadpanned. Zee chuckled and stood up. "We're eating here so we can watch a movie. I'll be back in a minute."

Zee returned moments later with a lap tray and Saint's food. He helped him get comfortable then went and collected his own. Once they were both settle he switched on the TV and pulled up Netflix, he didn't even ask Saint what he wanted to watch he went straight for their cheer up movie "Labyrinth". They both knew it almost word for word. Saint had shown it to Zee one day when they were in University, they'd been drinking the night before and were feeling the effects in a big way. Saint said this movie always made him feel better so he shared it with Zee and it sort of became a tradition, if they were sick or down in the dumps or hungover they went straight for this David Bowie classic. By the time Sara had entered the Labyrinth Saint had hoovered up his food and was looking much happier.

Zee took their stuff away to the kitchen and returned a while later with Saint's favourite ice cream and two spoons. "Now don't go hogging all the ice cream ok?" Zee said before opening the tub. Saint simply grabbed the tub and helped himself to a huge spoonful. "You snooze you lose..." he replied with cheeks full of ice cream. Zee burst out laughing at the sight. "Oh man, I've missed you." He said wiping a tear from his eye. Saint smiled then swiped another huge spoonful before Zee wrestled the tub from his hands. Saint was about to protest when Zee said "Quiet! It's time for David's bulging crotch!" Saint chuckled but remained quiet for the rest of the movie. Today had been kind of rough, Saint was so glad to have Zee, there was nothing he couldn't face with him by his side.

The movie flew by and it was soon time for Saint's next lot of tablets. Saint didn't want to sleep this time so they decided to call Lee to see how his break was going. The phone rang and Andrea, Kara's mum, answered. Zee chatted to her for a while then she passed the phone to Lee. Zee put the phone on speaker before he spoke "Hey baby boy" Zee said with unmistakable joy in his voice. "Daddy! I'm nearly 6 I'm not a baby!" Saint chuckled at that and it was not missed by Lee. "Is that Uncle Bunny?" He asked sounding excited. "It is! How my favourite boy in the world?" Saint smiled as he spoke, he adored this kid. They carried on chatting and Lee was so excited to hear that Saint was staying at his house he begged to come home early. The only reason he agreed to stay with his Nana was because Zee promised Saint would stay for a while when he got home.

It seemed like only moments after the call started Lee was called to get his dinner but when they hung up they'd been on the phone for well over an hour. Saint didn't realise how sleepy he'd been until he yawned really loudly. It was only 7pm but he almost felt ready for bed. "Shall we have some food then get an early night?" Zee asked. Saint felt like sometimes zee was reading his mind. "You know me so well." He replied with a smile. They decided on pizza and by the time it arrived both men we ready for bed.

They ate quickly then Zee helped Saint get into his pjamas. He helped Saint remove his clothes. Seeing the bruises again ignited the anger in Zee, he picked up the top and was about to put it on when Saint put his arm up and grimaced. Zee couldn't help reaching out and touching near one of the bruises. "I'm so sorry Saint." He said his emotions evident on his face. Seeing Zee so upset on his behalf broke Saint's heart. He reached out and held him. "You have nothing to apologise for. You've saved me, I have no clue what I'd have done if I couldn't stay with you. You know mum doesn't have any space at her place and I wouldn't feel safe with anyone except you. So thank you. Thank you so much." Zee hugged him back carefully avoiding any bruised spots. "I promise you'll always be safe with me and where ever we are you have a home with me and Lee, forever." Not for the first time, Saint was holding back his tears. "Thank you Zee. We need to stop now so I'm not crying myself to sleep." He huffed a laugh and pulled away wiping his eyes. "Come on then Uncle Bunny. Let's sleep." Zee said with a smile. Saint smiled back sweetly then play punched him in his shoulder.