#zacharias

“I believe that is everything that I will need.” Zacharias checked through his bags once again as Tammy carried in the last small pile of laundry that she had just finished folding. He was off on another trip, as was the usual these nights. Zacharias didn't stay for long, usually just long enough to tie up any loose ends in the city before heading out again for work. “You’ve done well to keep an eye on everyone while I have been away, Tammy. Thank you and I apologize that I have been quite busy as of late.” The rare frown adorned his face as he packed away the final belongings that Tammy had provided for him, closing the suitcase with a sense of finality. “I will be leaving for two weeks. One of my associates on the east coast has requested my services. A relatively simple job, in theory.”

Tammy picked up the implications in his words, noticing the slight crescendo of violins as he spoke his words. This job was dangerous in one way or another, but he refused to say as much aloud. Instead of speaking up about it, she nodded along to his words while she stared at him, realizing that he was so busy lately they hadn’t really had time to talk about the last few months like Zacharias had promised. It wasn’t the time to bring it up, but when would be, especially if every job he took on was more and more treacherous. “Zacharias…” Tammy began to speak, softly finding her courage to stop dancing around the subject neither of them knew how to begin. 

“Yes, my childe?” Looking up from his final preparations, Zacharias failed to notice just how much those words struck pain into Tammy’s heart. More formality, slipping back into old habits now that they were back from their trip. He was distancing himself, whether it was by accident or on purpose, but Tammy refused to let the gap between them widen to the extent it once was. “Is there an issue?”

Tammy turned her gaze away from him, down at the suitcases and his cane leaning carefully against the bed. “No sir, it's nothing.” She shook her head, putting on a more neutral expression as she looked towards him but refused to look him in the eye. “Do you have anything more that you need for me to take care of while you are away?”

If he noticed any of her hesitation, Zacharias glossed over it as he turned and picked up a note he had left in the middle of his otherwise empty desk. “A few things, yes. None of these are pressing issues, so if you find the time I would very much appreciate any that you are able to accomplish for me.” Tammy knew that list would contain the various things he always had to get done between one job or another. The less she did, the longer he had to stay in Reno. Tammy would, of course, do nearly everything on that list before he returned.

“Yes sir.” Tammy gave a silent, distant nod as she took the note in her hand, reminding herself to take a look at it later. “There is one more thing, sir.” Tammy pocketed the note so as to not lose it while she heard the tempo and volume of the near constant background noise intensify. Zacharias tilted his head questioningly, waiting for her to continue before she stepped closer to close the gap between them. Before he could speak to question her, Tammy leaned up on the tips of her toes and left a soft peck on his cheek. Her voice was soft but she carried it to his ear, nervous and hesitant. “Come back to me safely. Okay?”