Chapter Forty-Five: No Strings

"Got my mind on your body and your body on my mind. Got a taste for the cherry, I just need to take a bite."

~Cool for the Summer by Demi Lovato~

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Revised: August 25, 2022

Warnings: abuse, addiction, anxiety, biphobia/homophobia, depression, domestic violence, slight eating disorder, langubage, panic attacks, sexual harassment/assault/abuse, violence, and other mature themes

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Zion's POV

After Sensei Kreese dismisses me from his office, I walk into the main section of the dojo. Brucks, Kyler, and Walker are long gone, but I don't think Kyler will stay away. The good news is I've made a point of my dominance here to everyone. 

I also notice Hawk has left. He really is leaving me alone. Good... That's what I asked for, right?

Tory is also gone now; I know she works Friday afternoons at the sushi place. I feel badly for her having to work so hard for her mom. I don't have to pay any bills with the money I make, with the exception of gas and food. She deserves a break.

A few of the guys start whispering when I walk by to exit the dojo. I note the blood all over the mats. Walker was an example of what happens when you disrespect women. I don't think what I did was extreme; it was necessary. So, the guys here fear me more now. And? It's not like any of them are really my friends.

I pass by Edwin and Rickenberger, though, and they give me slight smiles that show fear and admiration. I don't mind them, I suppose.

I go out to my car and think of where I should go today. I haven't had a free afternoon in a while and since there isn't any school tomorrow I have no homework. 

I decide I'll go to the beach and walk on the sand. Maybe I can stargaze and take some time to myself to try and remember my dad. I haven't thought about him in a while and if I'm taking a break I may as well take him with me. I miss him so much. It isn't fair.

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The beach is crowded, as expected. The sun is setting and I just need to find a place to set up my towel and lay back.

I walk with my beach towel and purse filled with my pepper spray, pocket knife, keys, wallet, and phone onto the sand and look for a spot. When I find one, I set up my area and watch the sun dip below the horizon line, feeling happy and relaxed with no bad thoughts for just a moment.

I want this moment to last forever.

And then, I remember this beach. My first night out with Hawk was when we came here. I thought he was going to kiss me, but he faked me out. And then later he kissed me for the first time and it was like a firework show for just us to experience.

He still liked me after I told him my sad life story and that's when I knew it was real. It was so pure and perfect. I don't know when it changed, but I would give anything to go back to that moment.

I wrap my arms around myself as I try to feel that way again, even though that special person is no longer in my life. It's better to have loved than never loved at all... right?

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I get a text as the sky finally darkens and some people begin to leave. I hesitate to check it because I've been unplugged for the past hour or so, but do in case it's an emergency.

Tory to Zion: miguel showed up at my work

I read the text and sigh. Yeah, I should've left it unread.

Tory to Zion: i wasnt prepared for that today

Tory to Zion: i'm sorry to bother you idk what to do

I look at the peaceful atmosphere around me. As much as I want to stay here, I know I should help her out. Jess told me to keep the good in my life and Tory is basically my only friend, so I respond. She would do it for me.

Zion to Tory: If you're off work do you want to meet up? I'm at the beach

Tory to Zion: yeah that would be great

I look towards the boardwalk where a French fry place, bar, motel, arcade, and ice cream shop are.

Zion to Tory: There's a bar here if that's cool with you?

Tory to Zion: you read my mind:)

Life is hell. Might as well live it up. Nobody makes it out alive.

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"Hey, give us some tequila shots," Tory says to the bartender as we sit down.

"And lime and salt," I add. I want to drink to forget everything.

"Can I see some ID?" the bartender asks us to check we didn't sneak in. We hold out our fake IDs, but of course he doesn't know that. "Coming right up."

"My ID photo is hilarious," Tory shows it to me and I examine it. 

"Emma Ross... Interesting name," I say. "Nice to meet you, Emma. I'm Octavia Blake." I whisper so nobody hears and we laugh.

"Shots," the bartender says. I hand the fake ID back to Tory and look at the two shots in front of us.

"Actually, can we get more?" I ask the bartender with a soft smile, being a bit flirtatious. You always have to be nice to the bartender at these places.

"More coming right up," he says with a grin.

"I can't afford too many drinks," Tory whispers. "My mom... she's on dialysis and her and my brother need all the help they can get."

"I'm sorry," I frown. I really don't know much about Tory's home life. "I'm buying, though. It was my idea."

"No, it's fine. Tonight is our time to forget about the heartache. No disgusting boys or worries. Just me and my girl," Tory says.

"Cheers to that," I grab the shot and we clink the glasses together. I lick my finger, get some salt on it, lick it off, take the shot, and then suck on the lime as a chaser.

"Damn. You know what you're doing," Tory says.

I nod and cough while the tequila rolls down my throat. That is strong. The bartender returns with more shots as Tory takes hers like a champ.

"Whew," she shrieks as it goes down. "What you did in the dojo today was wild."

I smile a little at the memory, "He had it coming."

"You two have a history, I guess?" she asks.

"He harassed me at the beginning of last year and his friends spread rumors about me," I nod and take another shot with the three steps. I don't want to dwell on it anymore. I'm no longer afraid of Walker or Kyler or any of them. "It was finally my turn for revenge."

"Then it's justified," Tory nods. "You went all in."

"It felt good," I nod.

"Taking your anger and channeling it is therapeutic," she smiles.

"Tell me about it. I have so much to be angry about," I sigh as the world becomes disoriented a little.

"Me too. The world is kicking my ass," she agrees.

"What did we ever do to deserve this?" I pout and look at the shots. I don't know if I want another, but I feel them calling out to me.

"I was just so happy with Miguel," Tory says candidly. "I haven't had the best time with guys and Miguel seemed so different. He was sweet, cute, and he had no warning signs."

"That bitch LaRusso is enough of a warning sign," I mutter.

"I just thought maybe he could be something good in my life for once," she explains.

"I feel that way, too," I frown.

"About Hawk or Robby?" she asks and catches me off-guard.

"About Hawk," I find myself saying. "I know he isn't good for me anymore and all that shit, but I still love him. I just want the sweet boy I fell in love with back; now he's just an asshole. And I have hope that he'll come back to me, but now I'm not so sure. Somewhere deep down I still have feelings for him, but it's just this endless cycle of pain and I had to cut him off. He won't ever believe me about those texts and calls. It's a slow process, but I'm glad he's finally leaving me be."

I know if I were sober none of these words would be coming out of my mouth.

I grab another glass, "But you know something?"

"What's that?" Tory takes another shot.

"I've been in contact with Robby," I giggle.

"No way," Tory gasps.

"Yeah, I visit him a few times and we email and-"

"But you... you didn't cheat with him, right?" Tory confirms. I know she doesn't like cheaters because of what happened with Samantha and Miguel.

"Tory, you know me. Of course I didn't cheat," I say, saddened that she still has to make sure.

"Just checking," she nods. "And I believe you. I'm just glad you didn't. But I'm also glad Robby is making you happy." She looks kind of sad.

"Robby and I are just friends," I say, remembering how he brought up LaRusso when we met up. "But hey, you'll find someone," I assure her, placing my hand on her shoulder. Her eyes meet mine and I feel a new and different feeling wash over me. I need to get more drunk.

"I'm just so done with boys. They suck," she turns around and watches the people dancing.

"Men suck, too," I cringe.

"Amen to that," Tory holds up another shot and we clink them together.

"Do you want to go dance?" I suggest.

"Yeah," Tory nods. I hold out my hand and we stumble to the middle of the dance floor as some trashy song comes on. "You're an awful dancer."

"So are you," I laugh.

We goof off for a few songs. I watch her dance around happily; her smile is infectious.

"My feet hurt," Tory complains a bit later.

"I'm kind of dizzy from the alcohol and flashing lights," I admit.

"Take a break?" she asks and I nod. We make it back to the bar and the bartender helps us.

"Give us four pineapple pick-me-ups," I tell him and he nods.

"Z, I don't have money-"

"It's on me," I assure her. "I've saved my money for something. Why not a fun night out with my girl?"

"Okay, okay," she says with a smile. "Why pineapple?"

I give her a suggestive look and she raises her eyebrows and blushes, looking away. 

"I'm just kidding," I laugh and almost fall off the chair. "Pineapple is one of my favorite fruits," I say honestly.

The drinks come back and this time we drink them a little slower. I take the pineapple garnish off the top and eat it.

"Mmm," Tory smiles. "This really is amazing." The way she eats and sucks on the pineapple captures my attention for a second...

"I told you," I smile. 

We continue to drink and I push away my thoughts of Hawk, Miguel, and Robby to focus on here and now. 

"This isn't the same without Aisha," Tory frowns.

"She would've loved this," I nod. "Remember when we drank that bottle of vodka at the beach club?"

"LaRusso had a heart attack," Tory laughs.

"They're rolling in money. Nobody there cares if one bottle is missing."

"I'm just glad you can be here," Tory smiles.

"I'm glad you can be here, too," I blush and take another sip of the pineapple drink. "You're my only friend."

"I second that," she nods. "Everyone sees us as crazy, but we're just misunderstood. If people would take a second to get to know us and see the real us-"

"But we don't owe them the truth. You can't trust anyone," I interrupt her.

"That's so true, too," she nods. "Life is just..."

"Complicated," I take another big sip of the second pick-me-up. "Sensei is right when he says that there is no right and wrong. Our enemy will always think they're doing the right thing."

"At least we know what we are," Tory nods.

"Bad bitches with a love for revenge?" I suggest.

"You took the words right out of my mouth," she clinks her glass with mine and finishes it. I follow suit, wincing a little at how strong it is all at once.

"Can I buy you a drink?" a man on the other side of Tory says. He's probably in his thirties. Yuck.

"No, thanks," Tory dismisses.

"Are you sure?" he slurs. He's pretty drunk.

"Yes," she nods, trying not to get violent here. I want to punch this guy already.

"Don't be rude. I just want to get to know you," he says.

"She's not interested," I stand up and walk beside Tory protectively.

"Are you sure?" he asks and puts his hand on her shoulder. Tory shifts uncomfortably and I lose it.

I grab his arm and yank him back, spinning him around and pinning one arm behind and the other arm is in my grasp as I pull back his thumb as far as it will go in the wrong direction and he groans in pain.

"She's sure," I say as he cries out in pain.

"Ah! Ah! Shit! Okay, okay, I'll go," he says and I hesitate before looking to see Tory is okay. I release him, knowing I'm also too drunk to truly fight. He walks away, a bit scared, and the bouncer comes over to us.

"What's the problem over here?" he asks and I turn on the charm.

"No problem anymore. He wasn't taking no for an answer to leave us alone," I bat my eyelashes innocently. The bouncer looks from me to Tory and I grab her hand.

She grabs it back.

"Surely you wouldn't want to kick me and my girlfriend out, right?" I ask. "That would be homophobic and reflect badly on this fine establishment."

The guard hesitates as I try to hold my poker face in place. "Fine. No more fighting."

"Of course not," I nod and he walks away.

"I can't believe you did that," Tory laughs and I struggle to get back on the stool.

"Honestly, I don't even know what I did. I'm so drunk," I giggle.

"It was super hot is what it was," she smiles.

"Thanks." My cheeks heat up.

"So... I'm your girlfriend now?" she teases me.

"I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable," I say. "It was an instinct."

"No, you... you didn't," she argues. "I've never been with a girl before is all - not that I've never thought about it because, well, I have."

"Oh," I nod and Tory doesn't look away from me. "Why...? Are you interested in... b-being with a girl?"

"I guess on some level I've always wondered what it would be like," she shrugs. "Maybe I was just waiting for the right woman."

Our eyes connect and I feel myself wanting to kiss her. She looks gorgeous tonight and it seems like she wants me, too. 

But this could ruin our friendship. I don't know if I want that.

But she seems eager to try and if it's all innocent...

I reach over and grab her by the back of the neck, pulling her in gently.

Our lips press together after a moment. Her plush lips meet mine and I wait for her to continue, not wanting to force her into anything.

She begins to kiss me back and not long after we move in sync. I stand up to get a better hold on her and practically press her into the bar. Her hands are on my head, pulling my face closer to her. My arms have wandered down to her hips and thighs, holding her protectively. My tongue darts around her mouth and explores. This is amazing.

We pull away for air and we both exist in shock for a solid thirty seconds. 

"I didn't know it'd be like that," Tory laughs lightly and breaks the silence.

"Me neither," I whisper breathlessly.

"You're a great kisser," she says and I blush. "I-I can't believe we..."

"Me neither," I say again.

"I-I'm not wanting a relationship," she clarifies after another moment of not speaking.

"Me neither," I nod.

"Is that all you can say?" she laughs and I lean on the bar and nod. "Was it... good for you?"

"Yeah," I sigh reluctantly. "You?"

"Yeah," she nods. "You?" I give her a look and she laughs. "Oh, we did you already. Right."

"Would you wanna dance again?" I ask and she nods, hopping down from the chair. Maybe dancing will make this less awkward. I'm wanting her now and I need to stop. She isn't into that.

"Let's dance," she nods.

We walk out to the middle of the floor and dance to song after song until a slow one comes on. 

I reach out my hand and Tory curtsies with a dress made of air since she has jeans on. It makes me laugh because it's so unlike her; she stumbles a little as she accepts my hand. I pull her a bit closer as the song gets to its chorus. Her arms go around my neck and mine snake around her waist. 

She then pulls me closer and relaxes under my touch. I smile as we slow dance under the bright, colorful lights together and the world fades away. I find my body accepting her physical affection. She even lays her head on my chest with a content smile. The alcohol took away the pain and now I'm filled with happiness to be holding someone in my arms. 

"I didn't think about driving back," I whisper as the song comes to an end. "I'm too drunk for that."

"Oh, same," Tory frowns. "Um..." she ponders this for a moment. "I know there's a motel nearby... if you think that's okay?"

My breathing hitches, I stare in surprise, and pull away unsurely at the suggestion, "Tory, how drunk are you?"

"I want this, if you do, too. We have to live while we're young. I want a fun night with you and I'm just being more honest than if I were sober," she persuades me.

"Only if you're sure you won't regret anything," I stare at the beautiful girl in front of me.

"Will you?" she asks me.

I blush, "Okay, okay. Let's go, then."

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A/N: Smut warning!!! I didn't put a warning at the top because I wanted this to be a surprise for you fellow touch-starved humans;) Go to the next underlined portion if you're wanting to skip the smut.

We make it into the room and Tory closes the door. I look over at her, "Are you sure this is what you want?"

"Yes," she tells me and I smile.

"Okay. Tell me to stop if it becomes too much," I tell Tory and she nods.

I walk over and press her against the wall, our lips meeting once again. I let my hands explore her body's curves and she wraps her arms around my neck to pull me closer. Our tongues fight for dominance, but I squeeze her waist gently and she reluctantly lets me win. My tongue explores her mouth hungrily, wanting this so much and maybe it's all in lust, but I don't care. I feel safe with Tory and I want to please her tonight.

I pull away for air and Tory says, "Don't feel the need to hold back, Z. I've done it before."

"Oh, I assure you this will be different from anything you've ever experienced before," I say, remembering my intimate times with Jess.

Tory looks at me skeptically and I take initiative. I slip my hands under her shirt and pull it over her head. I toss it onto the nearby chair. I take in the beautiful lingerie she's wearing and her muscles before looking up at her for a comfort level; she's waiting for more.

"Take these off," I put my hands on the waistband of her jeans.

"Make me," she says with lust in her voice.

I bring my hand to her neck and squeeze, choking her for pleasure and making sure not to hurt her airway. She moans and I lean in to whisper in her ear, "You're in control all the time, aren't you? But tonight you're under my control."

She lets out a noise that's a mix of a moan and a whimper and I smirk.

"I said take those off. Understand, babe?"

I release her neck for her to respond, "Yes." I watch as she removes her jeans and shoes and is left only in her underwear. I take off my shirt and bra and I see Tory is even more excited now. She must really want this, too.

"Lay down on the bed," I say and she rushes over to the mattress, laying on her back. I take off my pants, shoes, and socks and set them aside. Then, I walk over to the bed and straddle her.

I take my hand and bring it behind her back, sliding her bra off with ease. She gasps as her nipples hit the air and I toss the bra behind me. Our lips meet once again and I bring one hand to knead her boob and pinch her nipple. She moans lightly into the kiss and entangles her fingers in my hair. I start moving down with my mouth, licking and biting her jawline and then her neck. I stay there only a moment, not intending on giving her visible hickeys.

I work my way to her boobs, my hand having switched sides by now. I put her nipple in my mouth and she groans. I move my tongue around and then decide to leave some hickeys on her chest. I bite around, leaving my marks as she groans and moans. I find her sweet spot and go at it as she throws her head back and grips the bed sheets tightly.

"Ah, so that's where it is," I smirk and place hickeys all around that area on her upper chest.

Then, my hands slowly trail down across her soft skin to her stomach and then to her core. I can feel the heat it radiates. I sit up and stop biting her for a moment, sliding off her underwear. I touch my hand to her folds and meet Tory's eyes.

"You're so wet for me, babe." She nods and I adjust so I can slide two fingers in, playing with her. She moans a little and I smirk, "You have to be quiet for our neighbors. Don't you agree?"

I push another finger in and she tries to hide in her moans, but I've caught her so off-guard that a delightful sound comes from her mouth. I smirk and let her express her enjoyment; it's so sexy. My fingers continue pumping in and out and I feel her walls clenching, her climax slowly rising.

I move my head back to her breast and satisfy her by toying with the other side with my tongue. She tries to suppress her moans as I work her body and add another finger. She shrieks at the third one, not able to contain it when I curl my fingers inside her pussy. She bucks her hips for more and I use my thumb to rub her wetness over her clit, causing her eyes to roll back in pleasure. It highly arouses me to see her in such a state.

"Are you gonna cum?" I ask and she nods, groaning and trying to hold in her moans. She's at my mercy. I can tell she is, indeed, about to orgasm and that's when I say, "Go ahead."

She lets out a small shriek and moans as her body twitches and she rides out the high for a moment, drenching my hand. I watch her moment of ecstasy and rub my legs together for friction, trying so hard not to make this all about me.

I bring my wet fingers up to her mouth, "I want you to taste yourself." Tory nods and I push my fingers into her mouth, "Suck." She does so and I feel myself dripping by now at how fucking sexy she is and how her tongue feels over my fingers. "And make sure to swallow, babe." Her eyes pop out of her head in lust and submission; I rock my hips on the bed in anticipation.

When I'm sure she's satisfied, I remove my fingers and tower over her, making out. I taste a little bit of her juices still on her lips and in her mouth and she tastes amazing. The pineapple juice really did a little something.

Tory's hands move to my waist and hook in my underwear I still have on. I tense a little at the intimate touch. I don't know if it's because I'm drunk or because I remind myself Tory definitely wouldn't do anything, but I let her continue.

"I want these off, Z."

"Then take them off."

Tory flips me so we switch positions and I watch as she dips her head to my stomach. She plants tiny kisses on my skin and works her way down to my hot pussy. Then, she takes her teeth and uses them to slide my panties down. I watch as she brings them down to my mid-thigh and then her hands finish pulling them off. That's so hot.

"Spread your legs more," she says in a sultry voice. I oblige and she immediately brings her head to my pussy and I feel her tongue lick my clit. I moan at the contact. "You are soaked," she comments and I entangle my hands in her hair.

"Eat me out," I demand and yank her hair a little. Even the most inexperienced person can figure out oral and I want to feel her there.

"Mmm, okay," she nods and slides her tongue up and down my slit. I moan and hold onto her hair, wanting to be in control still. I wrap my legs around her neck and back, giving her no other choice but to be in this position.

Her tongue hits my clit again and then she goes into me with it. I moan at the feeling of her licking up my juices. She presses her finger on my clit and my back arches as I let out a loud moan, "Fuuuck, Tory."

She makes eye contact with me as she stays down there a long time, eating me out for a few solid minutes as her fingers play with my clit. I breathlessly moan in ecstasy, still not able to believe Tory is the one doing this to me. I feel my climax rising, but she makes sure to take a while before pushing me to the edge.

"I'm gonna-" I moan loudly and right after I hit my release and ride out my orgasm. Tory moans with me and towers over me, lowering herself enough for her boobs to touch mine.

I take in her beautiful body as she speaks, "That was fun to try." She has a wide smile and I reach up and pull her in for a lustful kiss. I taste myself now and moan. "You taste awesome."

"So do you," I assure her. She rolls to the side of me and we both lay on our backs.

"Uh... so, what do we do now?" she asks me.

"I mean... we could scissor," I suggest and she turns to lay on her side and arm, propped up in question.

"What exactly is scissoring?"

I give her a little smirk, "You'll see. Trust me, it feels amazing." She nods. "Stay laying down and spread your legs, okay?" She moves them apart and I maneuver my legs to intertwine with hers, taking a second to get adjusted.

My pussy momentarily touches hers and Tory breathlessly responds with a moan, "Oh!"

We both let out a sound of pleasure and I press my clit to her red, throbbing one, sliding up and down. I grind and create the necessary friction between us. "Fuck!" she screams and I move faster, causing our boobs to bounce.

"Ohhh, God," she moans as I work us closer and closer to the edge.

"Who's fucking you like this? Say my name," my voice drips with lust.

"Zion," she whimpers as her lusty eyes connect with mine.

I feel a wave of pleasure rush through my body when she says my name. As we rub against each other, I feel my climax rising. I start moaning, too and feel us both on the edge.

"I'm gonna-"

"Not yet," I snap at her and she grips the sheets in agony.

She joins me in moving, making the pleasure that much better. We're both soaked, so we move against each other with ease. I feel the knot in my stomach waiting to be released, but I want Tory to go as long as possible.

"Zion!" Tory screams my name and I lose my sanity, releasing and riding out my climax. She also finishes, moans filling the room. I move out of my position and lay next to her, both of us panting. "That felt... so fucking good."

I laugh and scoot closer, "I know." We sit in silence a moment and I decide to ask, "Were you... weirded out?"

"Not really. It felt right with you," she says and I smile.

I pull her in close and spoon her. I take my hand down to her thighs and pussy to massage as a form of aftercare. She's sticky, but honestly, am I, too, and I don't mind. I feel so happy, actually feeling okay for the first time in months.

"You were perfect. Especially for your first time with a girl," I say.

"I had a feeling it would be good, but I didn't expect that," she laughs. "It's so nice doing it with someone who isn't always in it for the pleasure for themselves. I could tell you were also thinking about my experience during."

"Of course I was. This is supposed to be enjoyable for both of us," I say and use my other hand to run my fingers through her hair soothingly. "It's refreshing being with someone that doesn't finish in two minutes." Tory laughs. "I'm serious!" She just laughs more and I join her.

"This whole thing... I'm sad I didn't try it with a girl earlier," she tells me. I press a kiss behind her ear as I feel her heart rate drop back to normal.

"At least the college girl experiment is out of the way already," I say and she nods with a smile.

"That's good. I probably won't go to college," she tells me.

"Oh," I respond. "I won't, either."

A/N: Smut over, but the rest of the chapter has mentions of it. 

An awkward silence falls between us as the real world ruins the mood and I feel the alcohol slowly wearing off. I turn to her,

"So... do you want to do it again?"

⭒⭒⭒

I wake up early the next morning, aching a bit and my head is throbbing. What happened?

I look down to see white sheets around me... I'm in a hotel. I sit up and take in my surroundings- What the hell is TORY doing in bed with me?!

I freak out and peek under the sheets to see my naked body. Oh no. This isn't good. I don't even really remember much of last night after the pineapple things came.

Then, part of it floods back to me: kissing, slow dancing, scissoring. Oh. My. God.

I just ruined our friendship because I couldn't control myself. What do I do when she wakes up? 

I slip out from under the sheets and grab my clothes. I'm about to put them on when I realize I need a shower. I may as well take one since I paid for this room. Maybe we even get a free continental breakfast... That won't be awkward at all.

I don't have feelings for Tory. I'm scared and feeling guilty because I probably used her because I was sad about Eli and finally wanted to let loose. Please, please, please, don't let her have feelings for me.

I think I can confidently say our friendship will never be the same. Ugh. What did I do?

I walk into the shower and leave the light off to help my hangover headache. I clean myself up a bit, relaxing in the average bathroom; it's much better than the trucker's bathroom I usually use. And they provide soap, shampoo, and conditioner for you.

I let the water run down my face and allow myself to relax and let out some tears for reasons I can't quite pinpoint. I've just been so emotional and this is the only place I allow emotions. I only ever cry in the shower; it's like I didn't cry in the first place because it mixes with the water. I'd never let anybody know, though. I can't be seen as vulnerable. I can't be anything other than a winner.

I'm less sad now and just anxious about my next interaction with Tory. What if she hates me? What if she loves me? What do I do?

I get out of the shower and towel dry my hair. It's gotten long enough to need a blowdryer, so I borrow the hotel's. 

Once I'm done, I walk out of the bathroom to see Tory dressed and putting on her shoes on the side of the bed. Here goes nothing.

"You're awake," I say.

"Um, yeah," she nods and doesn't look at me. I wonder what she's thinking. 

"Listen, I'm-"

"Last night was fun, but I really don't want a commitment. Can we agree on that?" she asks bluntly.

"Oh, yes, please," I sigh in relief and we laugh and it eases the tension. "Um... I had fun, too... well, what I remember of it was fun."

"Agreed. I hope some food will help my hangover," she stands up.

"I think we may get complimentary breakfast," I suggest.

"Sounds good to me," she nods. "Hey, my phone is dead and I didn't tell my mom I would be out all night. Can I use yours to call her? She trusts me and all, but still," she says anxiously and I nod, holding out my phone.

"I didn't tell Sensei Kreese, either," I realize in a panic.

"Why would you tell him?" she asks me in confusion, a bit weirded out.

"Well, I... I've kind of been staying at the dojo," I admit.

"Oh," she says. "Why?"

"It's a long story, but let's just say my mom is an abusive bitch," I say glumly.

"I'm so sorry, Z," Tory walks over to give me a hug and I hold out my hands to push her back and stop her. She nods awkwardly and turns away to dial the number.

I was drunk and able to take physical contact last night, but now my mind and body are fully operational and I don't know if I'll panic when I get touched again, even if it is only Tory.

You can't get rid of a traumatic experience like that overnight.

"Mom? Yeah, I'm good," Tory is on the phone and I stand awkwardly, waiting for her to get done. "Thanks," she hands it back to me.

"Sure," I nod and type a text to my sensei, glad he didn't text or call me. Maybe he didn't notice.

Zion to Sensei Kreese: I'm out with Tory and safe

"Ready for breakfast?" she asks me and I nod.

⭒⭒⭒

A/N: Well, it wasn't Moon, but I mean... you guys got some Ziory (ship name?) content hahaha.

I told you there would be more gay this season:)))

Also, if you didn't catch on by now, I'm not great at writing smut. It's hilarious for me to read and write, so don't take it too seriously.

I think this was a good break from the heartache in the rest of the chapters and I hope you enjoyed. School is kicking my ass right now, so it may be a bit before the next update. Thanks for understanding and of course thank you for the support on this book <3