She had gone back to Salina to work for two and a half weeks and had been gone for four days already.  While it wasn't necessary for him to see her everyday, which could become impossible because of schedule conflicts, she had at least been in the house.  Now Tonya was about an hour's drive away and he missed her terribly, so he decided to surprise her with a visit.

 

Checking his bag to make sure he had everything, he carefully folded the maps and stuck them in his back pocket.  His cell phone went in his front pocket and he made sure he had cash and credit cards.  He put on the pack and turned to Techno.

 

"I don't know if I'll be back tonight," he said.  "More than likely sometime tomorrow."

 

Techno nodded without turning from the consol.  "Be careful."

 

"Call when you get there," Sally said.

 

"Alright," Zarbon answered.  He jumped into the air and flew from the cave, turning invisible as he left.

 

While he could drive just as well as anyone else, there was less chance he'd get lost if he flew.  No one would see him both because his chameleon power disguised him and he was flying too fast.  He reached Salina in record time and easily found Tonya's house.  Not seeing anyone around, he landed in the front yard and slipped into view again.  Zarbon knocked on the door and waited, checking out the neighborhood in the meantime.  His brow furrowed and he rang the doorbell, but still no one came.

 

It's Sunday, he thought, So where is she?  She's usually home by now.  He frowned slightly.  Unless she's on a bounty hunt, but she usually tells me.  Zarbon pulled his phone out and dialed the Mansion.

 

Techno frowned as Poopsie beat him to answer the phone.  She knew it was Zarbon from the number so said, "Thank you for calling the W.G.B. Panty Co.  My name is Poopsie and I will be your consultant for this call.  How may I help you?"  There was a long pause and she checked the id again.  "Zarbon?  Hello?"

 

"Hello," Zarbon replied slowly.  "Umm...can I talk to Techno."

 

"You're no fun," she replied before handing Techno the phone with a slight pout.

 

"Hello," Techno said.

 

"She's not here."

 

"Did you check the hospital?"

 

Zarbon's heart jumped with fear before he remembered Tonya worked there.  "No," he admitted.  "I thought she was usually off by now.  She's not on a run, is she?"

 

Techno shrugged even though Zarbon wouldn't see it.  "Spook didn't tell about one.  Maybe she's working late since she isn't coming back tonight."

 

"Do you have the number?"

 

Two clicks and it was on the computer screen.  Techno read it to Zarbon and wished him luck before hanging up.  Zarbon glanced at his watch as his stomach growled and noted it was 6:30.  He dialed the number Techno had given him and adjusted his pack.

 

"Food service.  This is Miriam, how may I help you?"

 

"Is Tonya D___ working tonight?"

 

"Yes," Miriam answered without needing to look at the schedule.  The small flock of cranes on her desk was a dead giveaway.  "Would you like to talk to her or leave a message?"

 

"No, I'll just catch her later.  Bye."  Zarbon hung up and put the phone back in his pocket.  He sighed, pulled out his maps, and quickly located the hospital.  Checking for witnesses, he flickered out of view and flew to the hospital.  Landing on the third floor of the parking garage, he immediately spotted the familiar teal Ranger.

 

Zarbon put his pack in the truck, relocked it, and crossed the skywalk to the main building.  Hesitantly, he went through the revolving door then stopped dead, completely unsure of which way to go.

 

"Can I help you?" asked the woman sitting behind the desk in front of him. 

 

He blinked and realized belatedly it was the information desk.  "I looking for the cafeteria," he answered moving to stand at the desk.

 

"Just go down this hall," she pointed to his right, then behind her.  "Take a left, then a right, and walk straight down the hall.  You'll see it at the end."  The woman glanced at her watch.  "They would have closed by now, though," she informed him.

 

"That's okay.  I'm just looking for someone."

 

"I could page them," she offered.

 

"Thanks, but I can find her," Zarbon said giving her a dazzling smile.  "I'll keep it in mind though."

 

He walked quickly down the halls and could see the lights were still on in the cafeteria.  The gate was shut, but Zarbon could see a couple of ladies were cleaning up.

 

"Excuse me," he began.

 

The woman wiping down the salad bar paused and looked at him.  "I'm sorry, but we're closed."

 

"I know," Zarbon answered.  "I'm looking for Tonya D___."

 

"She's downstairs tonight," the woman replied.  Zarbon gave her a blank look.  "Go out to this hall her and take a left.  Ride the elevator down and the office is right there.  They can help you find her."

 

"Thank you." Zarbon's stomach growled again as he waited for the elevator.  Hope I can find her this time, he thought.  Guess I could sit in her truck if I don't.  Walking into the office, he smirked at all the paper cranes on the desk.  "Hello, I'm looking for Tonya D___," he informed the woman sitting there.

 

"Oh," she started, "Are you the one that called earlier?"

 

"Yes, and you must be Miriam," he said extending his hand with a smile.  "My name is Zarbon Chan.  I'm Tonya's boyfriend."

 

She shook his hand and smiled back.  "Now I see why she wants to stay in Tequila Heights," she grinned.  "She's back in the dish room right now.  You could put on a hair net and go back there.  Or, if you'll have a seat, they should be done in a little while."

 

Zarbon nodded and sat down at the spare desk, smiling wryly.  And I thought she was thought she hard to find when she was trying to hide, he thought.  Glancing at the doorway to the kitchen, he blinked then frowned at the girl staring at him, realizing she was most definitely not Tonya.

 

"Hello?" he asked.

 

The girl grinned broadly.  "Hello, my name's Kristen."

 

"Nice to met you," Zarbon replied fighting the urge to squirm as she continued to grin at him.

 

"Are you ready for me to check the dish room?" Miriam asked standing up and blocking Kristen's view.

 

"Yeah," the girl answered nodding and Miriam shooed her back to the dish room.

 

His stomach growled again and Zarbon decided a little water might help until he got some dinner.  He stepped out into the hall and took a long drink from the fountain he had noticed when he's gotten off the elevator.  Opening the door to the office, he paused as he noticed his seat had been occupied.  Tonya was now in his chair, her arms folded on the desk, and her head resting on her arms.  Silently he entered the room and quietly closed the door, then walked up behind his angel.  Without saying a word, he placed his hands on her shoulders and began to rub her neck.  She tensed and whipped around to glare at him, one arm raised in a warning.  He took a step back and she blinked in surprise.

 

Her jaw dropped in shock, only to be replaced by a heartfelt smile.  "What are you doing here?" she asked her voice filled with pleasant surprise.

 

"Came to see you," Zarbon answered with a shy smile, reaching for her hand.  She let him pull her to her feet and into his arms.  All Tonya wanted to do was kiss him and tell him how much she missed him, but a voice interrupted her thoughts.

 

"He's my boyfriend!" Kristen shouted angrily at Tonya.

 

Tonya pulled away just enough to turn and glare at her coworker.  "Oh really?" Tonya said, her voice dripping with venom.  Kristen backed down and went to tattle to Miriam.  Tonya leaned back to her lover's embrace as his wrapped his arms around her waist and sighed.  "I have to deal with stuff like that all the time."

 

Zarbon smirked and hugged her from behind, resting his chin on top of her head.  They heard Miriam called for her to come help and Tonya sighed again.  He released her and she pulled a white hairnet from her pocket.  She put it on and Zarbon playfully tugged at the puffy hat.  "How do you get all your hair under there?" he asked curiously.

 

Tonya shrugged and walked back out into the kitchen.  Zarbon sat back down to wait, wondering what she was doing.  About five minutes later, Tonya came back, pulling off her hairnet as she came in the office.  Pulling the scrunchie from the bun in her hair, she sat on the desk in front of Zarbon.  He raised an eyebrow and started to say something, but once again, Kristen interrupted.

 

"See!" Kristen said pointing.  "She's flirting with my guy!  I saw him first!"

 

Miriam, who was standing behind Kristen, rolled her eyes.  "He came looking for her," she replied calmly.

 

"Nuh uh!" Kristen retorted.

 

Tonya rolled her eyes and gave Zarbon a look that said plainly, "See?  I told you."  He smiled sympathetically, then smirked with a wicked gleam in his eye.  She cocked her head questioningly as he stood.  Leaning forward, he cupped her cheeks and touched his lips to hers.  Her eyes widened in shock, then slid shut as she returned the kiss, and she wrapped her arms around his neck.  She could hear Kristen's startled stammering and Miriam's laugh, but it was the sudden whoop next to them that surprised her.

 

"Woohoo!" said another girl in food service scrubs.  "Way to go, Tonya!"

 

They blushed and quickly straighten themselves.  "Zarbon, this is Heather.  Heather, this is my boyfriend, Zarbon," Tonya said adjusted her blouse.

 

Heather nodded at Zarbon, then mocked glanced at Tonya.  "You bitch," Heather said playfully punching Tonya in the shoulder.  "You never told me he was such a hottie."

 

"I hate to break up this party," Miriam said.  "But you're free to go."

 

- - - -- -- -- -

 

Tonya opened the door and Zarbon followed her into the darkened house.  "You hungry?" she asked and laughed as his stomach growled loudly in response.

 

"A little," he admitted embarrassed.

 

They raided the fridge and Tonya gave him a tour of the house, ending in the basement so they could talk in peace.  Zarbon sat down in the rec room while Tonya changed her clothes in the laundry room.  She came back in a T-shirt and cutoffs, walked over to his chair, and smiled at him.  Tonya slide onto his lap, straddling his thighs, and wrapped her arms around his neck.

 

"I missed you," she said softly, touching her forehead to his as he wrapped his arms around her.

 

"And I missed you," he replied pulling her closer.

 

She kissed him softly, then deepen it as he responded in kind.  His fingers gently massaged her back while hers tangled in his hair.  Both were panting when they broke for air, but they didn't pull apart.

 

"I thought you wanted to talk?" Zarbon teased softly.

 

Tonya smiled innocently.  "You don't like how this conversation is going?"  He chuckled and hugged her tightly.  "Besides..." she continued with a mischievous glint in her eye, "We can talk when my parents get home."

 

"Is that so?" he asked gently pulling the tie from the end of her hair.  She shivered as he carefully unwound the tight braid, combing through tangles with his fingers.  Every movement was felt clear to her scalp, tickling her with the sensation of thousands of little tingles.  He paused when he reached the second tie and gently tugged on it experimentally, but it didn't budge.

 

Tonya smiled and started to sit back to take it out, but he stopped her.  Using both hands he worked the tightly wrapped band from her hair.  His fingers sank deep into the silken stands and he began to massage her scalp.  She relaxed against him, rubbing her nose against his throat as her arms threaded around his chest.

 

"Mmmm," she purred.  "Have I told you yet that I'm really glad you're here?"

 

Zarbon chuckled and hugged her again.  "I believe you mentioned something to that effect," he murmured against her hair.

 

 Her tongue flicked against his throat and he chuckled softly.  Kissing a path up his neck, her lips once again found his.  He growled playful as she nipped at his lips and nose and she smirked mischievously.   Catching his wrists as he tried to entrap her, she pressed them back against the chair.  Tail swishing, she pressed herself against him and began to tease the sensitive skin of his throat with her teeth and tongue.  Zarbon gasped, his back arching as she found a particularly tender area.  Without warning the recliner tipped back into its reclining position startling the lovers.

 

 Tonya managed to pull away enough so that she ended up with a face full of fabric instead of a mouth full of blood and/or a severely injury beau.  She propped herself up on her elbows and looked down at him, her hair curtaining around them.

 

 "So this is how you plan to get me on my back," Zarbon said smiling up at her.

 

 "Are you protesting or shall I continue?"

 

 "I believe I would like to continue this conversation, milady.  It is quite...interesting."

 

Suddenly she tensed and sat up, apparently listening to something Zarbon couldn't hear.  Tonya effortlessly slipped from his grasp and stood, turning to locate the TV, DVD, and VCR controls.  Dropping onto the couch, she flipped on the TV and hit play just as the front door opened.

 

"Hullo!" Matthew bellowed as he came inside.

 

"Hello!" Tonya called back.  Zarbon quickly sat the chair back up and pretended to be interested in the movie on the screen.

 

They heard him walk over to the stairs and come down the stairs.  "Whatcha doing?"

 

Tonya turned her attention from the screen and looked at her brother.  "Watching Spirit."

 

"Oh," Matthew said sounding less than thrilled.  Then he noticed Zarbon in the chair.  "Oh hey, Zarbon.  Didn't know you were here."

 

"Hello.  I just got to town."

 

"Ah," Matthew said nodding, then went back upstairs.

 

Zarbon smiled and shook his head.  "Think he suspects anything?" he asked his lover who was trying her best to look innocent as she slipped back onto his lap.

 

- - - - -- - - -

 

All was quiet through out the house as the gray of false dawn lightened the sky to the east.  Then the phone rang, first awakening Tonya who buried her head in the pillow and prayed it wasn't for her.  Her mother answered it after the third ring and for a moment the girl thought she might be safe.

 

"Tonya!  Hospital's on the phone!" her mother called.

 

Tonya grumbled something then crawled out of bed.  "I'll get it in the kitchen," she said as she tried to get her legs to work.  "Ello?" she asked yawning after picking up the phone.

 

"Tonya?  This is Patti.  I need you to come in and work the cafeteria.  Amanda will be up there until you get here.  Bye."  *Click.*

 

Tonya sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose before hanging up.  She stumbled down the stairs and began pawing through the hanging clothes looking for her uniform.

 

"What's wrong?" Zarbon asked from the doorway rubbing his eyes.

 

"Got called in," Tonya grumbled, pouting like a three-year-old.  "Have to go to work."

 

"Oh." Zarbon glanced at his watch.  "It's only a quarter to six."

 

"I know," she moaned and jerked her outfit from its hangers.  Turning, she climbed the stairs and began to get ready for work.  Five minutes later, she walked from the bathroom, winding the tie around the end of her braid and blinked at Zarbon in surprise.

 

He was fully dressed and looked more awake then she did.  "Ready?"

 

Tonya yawned and nodded.  "Where are you going?" she asked as she headed for the door.

 

"With you," he answered shutting the door behind them.  "I came here to be with you.  I'll just sit in the office until your break."

 

Tonya smiled.  "Actually I'm in the cafeteria so you can bug me the whole time."

 

- -- - - -- - -

 

The day went by fast with Zarbon being there, though she had worried that Jean might not approve of him hanging around.  But his charming smile and helpful nature soon dispelled any complainants.  He had even eaten lunch with her mom and much Tonya's delight; they'd had a good time.

 

She yawned again, snuggling deeper into the couch cushions.  Closing her eyes, she thought to herself, Must remember to ask him what he told her so I can keep the story straight.

 

"Luv, I think your bed would be more comfortable for a nap," Zarbon said muting the commercial that had just come on.

 

"Not tired," she mumbled.  "Just relaxing."

 

"I see," he replied smiling softly at her.  By the time the show had come back on, he could tell she was fast asleep.

 

An hour passed and she was still out.  He heard a vehicle pull up outside, but didn't really think about it until the front door opened.  Zarbon blinked in surprise at the man before quickly standing and extending his hand.  "Hello, you must be Tonya's father, Terry," Zarbon said as they shook hands.

 

"Yes, and you must be Zarbon," Terry answered.  "The guy she's always talking about."

 

Zarbon blushed slightly and smiled.  "All good I hope."

 

Terry laughed.  "Right up to the point where she begins teasing her mother."  He glanced at the still sleeping girl.  "How long has she been asleep?"

 

"About an hour," Zarbon answered.  He walked over to the couch, dipped, and easily picked her up.  "I'll go put her in her room so we can talk."

 

"Good idea."

 

- - - - - - - - -

 

Tonya, her father, and Zarbon looked around the plowed field at the encroaching tree line.  Standing behind the truck, they all took a quick drink while discussing their plan of attack.  "All the brush and small trees need cleared and cut back to edge of the tree line," Terry said pointing along the boarder of the field.  "And we need to take off a few of these low hanging limbs."

 

"Rodger will appreciate that," Tonya said.  "Where do you want us to drag it though?"

 

"Start a pile there," her father answered gesturing.  "And then we can reopen the path over here and drag the rest down there."

 

Tonya nodded and stretched her limbs.  Popping her knuckles, she walked away from the big, blue truck, trying to decide where to being.  Zarbon watched her for a moment before turning back to the truck.

 

"You can help me with the chainsaw work," Terry said to Zarbon.  "Do you know how to work one?"

 

"No," Zarbon answered, "but I'm a quick study."

 

Terry gave him a short lesson on the parts and how to start the machine.  He was about to fire it up when he realized Tonya hadn't come back to the truck for the machete.  The distinct sound of her working could be heard behind them and he briefly wondered what she was cutting with...

 

"OW!  Damn it!" she yelped.

 

They turned to see what the problem was and both men froze.  Tonya was picking a long thorn out of the back of her hand.  Freeing it from her flesh, she lapped at the blood flowing from her hand before pushing pressure on the wound.  The thorn had pierced the skin just between her fully extended claws, but the wound wasn't deep.

 

Taking pressure off the area, blood continued to ooze from it.  She wiped the blood away again, then put pressure on it again.  Feeling the gaze of the men on her, she turned to look at them.  "What?"

 

Neither answered, but she caught the out of the corner glances the two were giving each other.  Factor in their tense postures, shocked looks, and the fact she hadn't told either that anyone else knew about her special talents, it wasn't hard to figure out the reason.

 

"Both of you know about my powers so relax," she said, checking her injury again.

 

"He knows?" her father asked looking at Zarbon warily.  "All of them?"

 

Tonya looked at him for a moment, trying to decide the best way to explain.  "Zarbon, see that branch there?" she asked pointing.  "Would you cut it off please?"

 

The branch in question was about twelve feet off the ground and about as thick as his thigh.  He looked at her, glanced at her father, then back at her.  She nodded and Zarbon took a deep breath, eyeing his target.  Springing lightly into the air, his hand glowed with energy and he easily cut the branch from the tree with one chop.  Landing on his feet, he turned to look at her father.

 

Terry's mouth hung open for a second, then a slow smile crossed his face.  Nodding he once again extended his hand to Zarbon.  "That explains a lot.  Welcome to the family," he said.  He smirked.  "So...do you still want to learn how to use the chainsaw?"

 

-  --  - - --  -- - -

 

Zarbon looked at himself in the mirror again then at Tonya.  "I can't believe I let you talk me into this," he said frowning, eyeing his watch on the counter.

 

"Oh come on!  It'll be fun," Tonya said grinning.  "Besides...you look soooo..."

 

"If you say 'cute', I am not going," he informed her, folding his arms across his chest and glaring at her.

 

She giggled and stepped closer to hug him.  "You're too mature for cute," she replied.  "I was going to say handsome.  You're going to be the main attraction."

 

"Great," he replied sarcastically, straightening the collar of her robes.  "And how old are they?  You know, they will never believe this is just dye and makeup."

 

"No?" she asked, mischief twinkling in her eyes.

 

"No."

 

She leaned forward again, her arms circling his neck and pulling him down so she could place her forehead against his.  "Don't count on that," she whispered.

 

-   --  --  --  - --

 

"Hi Karen," Tonya called as they walked into the large gym where the Girl Scout Lock-in would be held.

 

"Oh hi Tonya," Karen said turning.  "Oh great costumes!  How do you find the time?" she asked.  "And how did you get him to agree to this?" 

 

Tonya smiled and just shrugged while Zarbon tried not to roll his eyes.  "So what are we doing tonight?" Tonya asked.

 

"Well, Michelle is going to be a little late, so you're going to help with her group until she comes," Karen said nodding to Tonya.  "Then you'll join..."

 

"Zarbon," they answered at the same time.

 

"Zarbon," Karen repeated nodding.  "Okay, you'll be working crafts with Sara."  He glanced at Tonya then nodded.  "The craft table is right over there," Karen said pointing.  "The first session is at 7:30.  The girls will arrive at 6:45, so we have fifteen minutes to get set up.  Sara can tell you what you'll be doing exactly."

 

As Karen walked away, Zarbon looked at Tonya again.  "Don't worry, Koi," she said putting a hand on his arm.  "It will be okay.  Just remember you're older than they are.  You out rank them.  Don't let them push you around."

 

 - - - - -- - -

 

Tonya slipped through the throng of Brownie Girl Scouts like a professional.  One little girl dressed like Princess Leia stopped her.

 

"Are you a real Jedi?" the wide-eyed youth asked.

 

Tonya smiled and winked at her.  "Yes, but don't tell the others."

 

The little girl's eyes widened and she nodded before scampering back to her friends.  Tonya smiled and her tail swished unseen under her long robes.  The theme of this Lock-in was 'The Force Within' with a Star Wars decorating scheme.  Most of the girls were dressed like Jedi, but a few Leias and Queen Amidalas wandered here and there.

 

While Tonya and Zarbon's costumes appeared the most elaborate, they truthfully were the simplest.  The robes were just made of old material she had for years and had hemmed.  The pants, shirts, and belts were their sparring outfits and the boots where just their cowboy boots.  Zarbon's hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail while Tonya sported two high pigtails laced with different colored strands of fake hair.  The fact that Zarbon's skin was blue and his hair was emerald had just been attributed to the fact that Tonya was creative and liked to show off.

 

"How's it going, luv?" she asked coming up behind him.

 

Zarbon started slightly and turned to look at her.  "Okay I guess," he answered brushing back a lock of hair from his face.

 

Tonya stepped up to the table and surveyed the mess of craft supplies that had been in neat piles not so long ago.  "So what are we making?"

 

Zarbon sighed silently and began his explanation once again, pitching his voice so the girls could here it as well.

 

- - - - - - -

 

Though a thick concrete wall separated him from the gym, Zarbon could still make out the words to the various songs being played.  He wondered how his lover's delicate hearing could possibly handle the onslaught.  Handing a girl her snack, Zarbon made a mental note to thank his beloved for sending him to work the snack area instead of the dance floor.

 

All too soon, the last girl came through and they sent him to monitor the dance.  Wincing as he entered the gym, he peered into the darken room trying to spot his angel.  The sound stage at the far end had multiple colored lights and a strobe light that flashed and flitted across the crowd.

 

He turned slightly as he felt a hand on his shoulder.  "Care to dance?" a familiar voice said into his ear.

 

Turning fully, he embraced his lover tightly, burying his face against her shoulder, and pressing his ear against her neck to block some of the loud music.  He felt her chuckle and she stroked his hair gently, then pulled away.  She pulled something from her pocket and offered it to him.  He took it and realized it was a pair of earplugs.  Smiling gratefully, his slipped them in, and the noise was immediately dropped to a tolerable level, but not blocked completely.  Just in time too as a group of small girls detached from the throng and surrounded the couple.

 

"Come dance with us," they chorused.  "Please?"

 

Tonya flashed Zarbon a smile and a wink, then allow herself to be pulled into the crowd.  Zarbon sighed and let himself be lead onto the floor.  A girl held each of his hands and jumped up and down with the music.  The song stopped and another took it place just like every other time.  But this time, Tonya grinned and began to bounce up and down happily.  She began to sing as the lyrics started. 

 

"Young man there's no need to feel down, I said young man, pick yourself off the ground," she sang still bouncing.  She taught Zarbon and the girls the actions to the Village People's YMCA enjoying every minute of it.

 

- --- - ---- - -

 

Zarbon dropped to his knees then stretched out on his sleeping bag.  It was four o'clock in the morning and he was dead tired.  After the dance, the girls had been treated to a movie and he had stayed up to watch it with his dance partners.  He didn't bother to remove his belt or boots, but sleep claimed him quickly.

 

Tonya came to check on him and make sure no girls were trying to sneak behind the curtain into the adult sleeping area.  She shook her head, smiling, and quickly removed his boots and belt.  Then she covered him with a light blanket, kissed his cheek, and left to check the doors.

 

- - --- - - -

 

"Zarbon, luv, wake up," Tonya said gently shaking his shoulder.

 

He started suddenly, sniffling loudly.  "Wha...?" he mumbled trying to wake up.  "What's wrong?"

 

"Nothing," Tonya replied.  "The girls will be leaving soon and want to say goodbye to their favorite Jedi."

 

"What time is it?" he asked sitting up and rubbing his eyes.

 

"Seven oh five."

 

He frowned darkly and glared at her.

 

"You can sleep when we get home, luv," she said smirking.

 

"Where are my boots?" he asked as he started to rise.  She handed them to him still smiling, then tied his belt while he studied her.  "You seem chipper.  What time did you go to bed?"

 

She chuckled and helped him to his feet.  "I didn't."

 

-  - -- - - -

 

Once back at the house, Zarbon headed downstairs and straight to bed.  Tonya carried in the sleeping bags and other stuff they'd brought home, dumping most of the load in the living room to deal with at another time.  She changed into her sleeping clothes and started to crawl into bed when she realized she probably should go check on Zarbon.

 

Walking into the guest bedroom, she sighed and rubbed her temple.  Once again he had just lain down and gone to sleep, without removing his boots or crawling under the covers.  Tonya pulled his boots off and his robe, smiling softly as he didn't even stir.  Rolling him onto his back, she undid the belt and pulled his shirt off, crawling onto the bed to accomplish this.

 

Just as she was about to leave, Zarbon shifted and pulled her down next to him.  Still asleep, he wrapped his arms around her and snuggled closer.  His hand groped blindly for the blankets, then simply pulled the edge of the comforter over them effectively trapping the girl.

 

Tonya was tense, knowing exactly how her mom would react to this scene.  It wouldn't be that hard to get away from Zarbon...just a lot more trouble than she wanted to deal with at the moment.  Then she remembered that her mother shouldn't be home until after five, and Matthew and Dad were on a camping trip.  Relaxing against him, she sighed and drifted off to sleep.

 

-  - ---- --

 

Zarbon awoke slowly, slightly groggy.  He was still tired, but something was nagging at the back of his mind.  What? he thought annoyed.  Tonya's safe.  I don't need to do anything today.  He opened his eyes to look at the girl snuggled against his side.  His gaze drifted around the room.  What could I...  His eyes widened and he tensed, listening for the sounds of other people in the house.

 

"Tonya.  Tonya wake up," he whispered fiercely.

 

She murmured something intelligible before opening her eyes.  "What?" she mumbled.

 

"Where are your parents?"

 

"Parents?" she asked sleepily.

 

"Yes, parents.  The people who gave birth to you?"

 

"Dunno," she mumbled starting to go back to sleep.

 

"Tonya," he said shaking her a little.  "Wake up!"

 

"Why?" she whined, her sleepily green eyes filled with frustration.  "I want to sleep just a little longer."

 

"Where are your parents?" he demanded.

 

She frowned, then noticed the look of worry on his face.  Then she remembered where they were they were currently sleeping.  Freezing, she listened for the sounds of movement from upstairs.  They lay there in silence, holding each other, acting way guiltier than they really were.  About five minutes had passed before Tonya remembered something.

 

She sighed and rubbed her temple as the details of her parents' whereabouts slowly came back to her.  "Relax, Zarbon," she said.  "They're not here."  Tonya yawned, exhaustion quickly replacing her fear.  "Mom's at some meeting and won't he home until five.  Matthew and Dad are on a campout and won't be home until tomorrow."

 

"You're sure?"

 

"Yes."

 

The tension slowly drained from his body and he sighed in relief.  "And I supposed you told me that, hmm," he said as she nestled against him.

 

"Prolly, but I don't remember," she answered rubbing her nose against his throat.

 

Zarbon yawned and pulled the coverlet back up to cover them.  "Sweet dreams," he murmured.

 

He woke up a few hours later feeling refreshed and quite relaxed.  Shifting to lay on his back, a smile stole across his face as she snuggled up tighter against his side.  Idly, he stroked her hip, thinking about this and that, wondering what he could fix for lunch.

 

"What do you think about omelettes?" she asked sleepily.  She stretched the arm across his waist then relaxed again.

 

"For lunch?"

 

"Mmmhmm..."

 

"Who is going to make them?  You or me?"

 

Tonya snorted and propped herself up on her elbows.  "Me of course," she said.  "You," she said poking him in the chest, "don't put enough cheese in them."

 

Zarbon chuckled and shook his head.  "Koi...if I put all the cheese produced in Wisconsin in a decade, you wouldn't think they had enough cheese."

 

- - - - --

 

Zarbon yawned and rubbed his eyes as he heard Matthew leave the house for work.  Tonya's mother and father had left already and none would return before 3:30 that afternoon.  That meant he had Tonya all to himself for at least seven hours.  Tossing the blankets off, he slipped from his bed.  A brief thought that he should bring her down to the queen size bed instead of joining her in the twin upstairs crossed his mind, but he dismissed it.  Quietly, he slipped up the stairs, listening just in case he had missed someone's return.  The phone rang and he turned quickly to answer it.

 

"Hullo?"

 

"Hello, this is Patti from Food Service at the hospital.  Is Tonya D___ there?"

 

Zarbon hesitated only a second before replying.  "Yes, she is here, but I'm afraid she can't come to the phone."

 

"This is her supervisor and I need her to come in.  Please put her on the phone."

 

"I'm sorry but no.  She can't come in today."

 

"Why not?"

 

"You've called her in everyday for the past week, most of the time making her work a double shift.  Today is her day off and I intend to see that she gets to enjoy it."

 

"Please put her on the phone," Patti demanded starting to get annoyed.

 

"No."

 

"No?!?"

 

"She cannot come in today, nor shall I inform her you called.  You have had her the last seven days; today she's mine," Zarbon said politely, but firmly.  "And if you call back I will not be as polite.  Have a nice day."  Without waiting for a reply, Zarbon hung up the phone.  He took a deep breath and let it out slowly.  Waiting one minute more for the women to call back, he turned and walked down the hall to Tonya's room.

 

Techno had warned him it was very pink, but Zarbon doubted Techno had seen it in the early morning light.  The sunlight streaming through the dark pink curtains made everything pink, including this end of the hallway.  He paused in the hall, watching the steady rise and fall of the sheet draped over his beloved.

 

Tonya still slept, despite the ringing phone or the pink lemonade sunlight pouring into her room.  With the stealth of an elf, he slipped over the threshold into the room.  And just like in the mansion, two sleepily green eyes blinked open to identify the visitor.  Zarbon still hadn't discovered the secret to this ability either.  Her "talent" didn't work if she slept anywhere but a bedroom, but otherwise it never failed.

 

"Who was on the phone?" she mumbled.

 

"Patti from the hospital," he answered moving to stand by the bed.

 

Tonya groaned and squeezed her eyes shut.  "What time does she want me to come in?"

 

"I do not know," Zarbon answered with a shrug.

 

Her eyes snapped open and she glared at him venomously.  "You don't know?"

 

Zarbon swallowed hard and gave her a charming smile.  "I told her that you couldn't come in today."

 

Tonya blinked and relaxed a little.  "And she said ok?"

 

He studied the peacock tails hanging above the window for several moments.  Still avoiding her eyes, he answered quietly.  "I told her you were mine today and that I wouldn't be as polite if she called back.  Then I hung up on her."

 

Tonya gaped at him, then a smile quirked her lips.  He looked at her in surprise as she began to laugh.  "You...you hung...up...on her?" she asked between giggles.  "Oh I wish I could've seen her face!"  Wiping her eyes after a few minutes, Tonya relaxed back against her pillow and yawned.  "I think I'll sleep a bit longer," she said and yawned again, her eyes beginning to close.

 

"Okay," Zarbon answered before pulling back the sheet.

 

Green eyes slitted open to watch him as he slid into the bed with her.  Scooting back towards the wall to give him more room, she smiled at him.  Zarbon was beginning to realize just how small a twin-sized bed was and that they would have to sleep very close for this to work.  Wrapping his arms around her as she snuggling up against him, he felt the pressure at his groin increase.  Shifting a bit, he tried to ignore it but it was becoming apparent that it wasn't going to simply go away.  Unsure how she would react, he made the decision to inform her of his problem.

 

"Koi?"

 

"Mmm?"

 

"Saber needs to leave," he said quietly.  "He's getting a little too friendly."

 

"'K," she mumbled.

 

Zarbon picked up the stuffed panther by the scruff of the neck, relieving his discomfort, and tossed onto a pile of pillows in the corner.  "Much better," he sighed.

 

"Does Share bear hafta leave too?" she asked almost asleep.

 

"No, Koi," Zarbon answered smiling softly, holding her close.  "Share bear's fine."

 

-- - - -  --  - -

 

"So how long is it going to take to get there?" Zarbon asked putting some more pop into the cooler.

 

"About 45 minutes," Tonya answered handing him a package of hotdogs and the ketchup.

 

"Do we need anything else?"

 

"Buns, hotdogs, condiments, napkins, chips, drinks, sunscreen...we'll get worms on the way out of town.  The poles are in the truck..." Tonya scanned the kitchen.  "Think we got it all."

 

"Should we leave a note?" Zarbon asked shutting the cooler.

 

"Yeah.  We'll be gone for a while.  Eat lunch at the river and fishing...prolly be back by..." Just then the phone rang, cutting her off.

 

Tonya started to move to answer it, but Zarbon caught her arm and shook his head.  "'Ello?" he asked picking up the receiver.

 

"Hello.  This is Patti from the hospital.  Is Tonya D___ there?"

 

Zarbon raised a finger to his lips, signaling Tonya to remain silent.  "No, I'm afraid she's isn't."

 

"Where is she?" Patti asked annoyed.

 

"Umm, not sure.  She was abducted by an alien and I have her cell phone," Zarbon answered, winking at Tonya who was trying not to laugh.

 

"You expect me to believe that?" Patti growled.

 

"Well I ain't got a witness and I can't prove it, but that's my story and I'm stickin' to it!" Zarbon sang into the mouthpiece.  With a smirk and a flourish, he hung up the phone and turned to Tonya.  Picking up the cooler, he offered her his arm.  "Shall we?"

 

Linking her arm with his, she smiled.  "Let's go."

 

- - - - - - -

 

Almost done!  Almost free! Tonya thought looking at the clock again as she helped clean the dish machine.  She was almost prancing with joy and was trying not to burst out laughing or singing.

 

Finally the afternoon supervisor, who was checking their work, said they could go.  Tonya practically skipped into the office to collect her purse, glancing at the clock on the way.  1:55, she thought as she opened the drawer.  And Zarbon was to pick me up at 2:30.  Guess I'll have to call him.  She turned to go clock out.

 

"Tonya," Patti said.

 

Tonya froze, just now realizing that Patti was still there.  The other woman had usually left by now.  "Yes?"

 

"You're number six tomorrow.  Come in early," Patti said without looking up.

 

 A goofy half smile crossed Tonya's face.  "No," she answered simply, yet confidently.

 

 Patti slowly looked up, a glare firmly in place and eyebrow raised.  "No?"

 

"No."

 

 "Why not?"

 

 "Well, you see this little piece of plastic that's called my badge?" Tonya asked imitating Vanna White.  "When I clock out today, I am officially off the schedule."

 

 "What?!?"

 

 "Didn't they tell you?" Tonya asked an innocent smile on her face.  "Today is my last day."  She took a step closer to the door.  "So no I won't come in tomorrow."  Another step.  "Actually not no but hell no."  She opened the door, then looked at Patti.  "Correction again.  Not hell no, but not a snowball's chance in hell no."  She smiled sweetly at the gaping woman.  "Have a nice day."

 

- - - - - - - - - --

 

 Tonya entered the mansion with the air of a returning champion.  She still hadn't told Zarbon why she was so happy either, promising she would when they got back to the mansion, but he tried to guess the entire drive back.  Her eyes now lit upon Poopsie and the grin on her face increased. 

 

 Poopsie looked at her very strangely when she suddenly caught her hand between her own.  But that was nothing compared to the look Alec gave her when she dropped to one knee.  Her face became serious though her eyes betrayed her smile.

 

 "I have descended into the bowels of Hell and come back many a time, but I shall descend no more.  My wings have been unbound and I am free."  Tonya said this quietly, keeping a straight face.

 

Poopsie's eyes widened and she smiled, urging Tonya to stand.  "You have survived the Pit and I pray that you never experience its terrors again.  Breathe deep of the fresh air and rejoice.  Welcome back," she said and embrace Tonya.

 

 Everyone else looked on in mild confusion as the girls began to laugh.

 

 "You should have seen Patti's face when I told her I wouldn't work for her tomorrow," Tonya said grinning like a Cheshire cat.

 

 "She didn't know you were quitting?" Poopsie asked surprised.

 

 "Apparently no one had told her," Tonya answered trying to look innocent.

 

 Poopsie's eyes widened.  "You didn't...did you?"

 

 Tonya smirked.  "No, not really.  I was a lot nicer than I said I'd be."

 

 "You should have taken a camera," Poopsie groused.  "I would have liked a picture."

 

 "Would you like to explain what you're talking about?  The rest of us would like to know," Sebastian grumbled, not realizing most of the others had already figured it out.

 

 "I quit my job in Salina," Tonya said.  "And now I'm going to take a long, hot, bubble bath."  She bowed.  "Good day."

 

 "Insane," Sebastian muttered.  "Absolutely insane."

 

 "You just figured that out?" Dee asked.