Zac & Nikki: Who Better To Love ch. 3

As You Wish

Theme: A fictionalized account of the relationship between Zac Efron and Nikki Blonsky, based on a reasonable number of real facts and an abundance of my wishful thinking.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story, as they are real people, and that would be a Human Rights violation. But wishing I owned them: totally okay, and really quite natural!

Dedication: This chapter is dedicated to Carrie and Anna. Thanks so much for your support! I just hope it’s worthy of you!

Rating: “R” for smut! Don't say I didn't warn you!



Chapter 3: As You Wish

Zac, heading down the hallway with his basket of laundry, was not an unusual sight. It was just that the day was off. He usually took it with him to Nikki’s apartment for Sunday dinners. Karen always gave him a hand (which mostly meant doing it for him) while he and Nikki, and sometimes their other friends, enjoyed some down-time together. It was a great chance for Zac to relax after a week’s hard work, and to feel part of a family again. It also gave him a chance to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal that only a mom could make! He never assumed that he was invited, and never brought his laundry without Karen telling him to; but, he always was, and she always did.


This weekend, Karen would be out of town for the first time since “Hairspray” began, so Sunday came along a few days early. Nikki’s brother, Joey, was doing a stand-up routine at his school’s Fall talent show, and Karen wouldn’t miss it for anything. She would be away for four days, and Nikki would have a small taste of independence, and fending for herself. She loved her mom more than anyone, and genuinely enjoyed having her around, but she was ready to have a few days un-mothered.


“So it’s just roasted chicken, nothing fancy,” Karen told Zac, as she handed him a vegetable peeler and pointed him in the direction of the carrots. “Not like dinner on Tuesday. That was one of the best meals I’ve ever had! And the company made it even better,” Karen smiled warmly at Zac.


“Thanks! Yeah, it was really good! But I’d rather have your roasted chicken anytime!” Zac said, just managing to stop the wink that came so automatically these days. “And I’m glad you and Nikki were able to come. My parents had a great time, and, I think they feel a little relieved now,” he laughed. “Like, now they know I’m not starving, or that my apartment isn’t a complete wreck, they won’t worry quite as much!”


Zac’s parents and brother, Dylan, spent only three days in Toronto. They had made a special trip just for Zac’s 19th birthday. It was the first birthday that he had spent away from home. He hadn’t wanted a big party, just the cast, Adam, a few producers and choreographers, and his closest friends amongst the dancers. It was Wednesday, a work night, and he knew that everyone had to be able to give 110 percent on set the next day. The party gave his mom and dad a chance to meet all the people that Zac had talked about in his phone calls and on his visit home, and to see how much fun they all had together. They were amazed at how close everyone had become, and they were grateful for every compliment they received about their son.


“So, I guess Amanda’s home by now. She’d be the last one to land, I think,” Nikki said to Zac, as he sat beside her on the couch, carrots peeled and on the stove. The shooting schedule had allowed several of the cast to enjoy an extended weekend, and they were taking advantage of it by flying home to see their families. In fact, the only cast members that were staying in Toronto were Zac, Nikki, John, and Chris. They all had scenes to shoot on Friday and Monday. Zac didn’t mind, as he had been home just a week ago. But he felt badly that Nikki missed out, and promised to keep her busy and entertained all weekend.


“Okay, so what are we gonna do this weekend? No baseball, and we’ve been to the gallery already, unless you want to go again? There is that Haunted House thing you wanted to see,” he said, looking sceptical. “We should make a list, and just do everything we can in two days!” and he opened the tourism brochure he always carried around town in his backpack. They planned out everything they wanted to do over the weekend, and were completely confident that they would get to each thing on the ridiculously long list. The rest of the evening was spent by losing their quarters to Karen in poker, and listening to music on Zac’s ipod, sitting cross-legged, knee-to-knee on the loveseat, when Karen had gone to bed.


The next afternoon, Zac felt a hand on his back and zipped around to see who it was. Normally, when he saw Nikki his face lit up in a smile and he reached out to put his arm around her. But, this time his face turned bright red and his hands surprisingly dug into his pockets. All he could manage was a stammered, “Hi.” He couldn’t look her in the eyes.


“What’s up, Zac? You look kind of…? Well, … how did your scene go? I just saw Adam, and he said to ask you about it. Was there a problem? I mean, he seemed really happy about the shots he got, but he said you were a little worried.”


“No, no, it went okay. I… I think? Yeah, it was… good. Kind of improvising a lot. Trying different things with the picture. I don’t know what he’ll keep in, but … it was… good,” he finished, weakly, the red hue of his face only slightly lessened. He could not tell Nikki what he had been thinking about just before she rubbed his back a moment earlier, or the effect that it had on the butterflies in his stomach. He could not tell her that Adam had him hugging her photograph on a bed, kissing it, putting his hand down his pants while singing to it. He couldn’t tell her that because he thought that if he did, he would somehow give away that this wasn’t the first time his hand had wandered when thinking about her.


“So, I’m done for the day then. How about you?” she said, deciding to change the subject, since he obviously didn’t want to talk about that scene. When he nodded, she added, “Great, well, let’s go grab our stuff and get this weekend started! I’m so excited! A whole weekend with Zac Efron all to myself!” she laughed, as she linked her arm with his.


Zac pulled his Aaaw, I’m nobody special face but couldn’t help smiling widely at her joy and genuine excitement. He was looking forward to this weekend as much as she was, and just had to push those thoughts far back in his head. Nikki was his friend, just his friend, and that was how it had to stay. It was just becoming so much more difficult to remember that when he thought about her, looked at her, talked to her, or felt her body close to his, like it was now. And when she pulled her arm away from his to open the studio door, he felt like part of him was missing.


When they returned to their hotel, Zac went to his apartment to drop off his bag and coat. He showered and washed his hair his customary five times to remove all of the rock-hard product that Linkified his do. Nikki washed off the thick movie make-up and had a quick bath, relaxing in the hot, sudsy water. She quickly blow-dried her hair, letting the loose curls fall to her shoulders, and changed into her favourite yoga pants and the soft sweater that her late grandmother had knit for her. She knew that she could be comfortable around Zac, and she didn’t have to be anything but herself. She flipped on the stereo and sat down with the latest “People” while she waited.


“’The Princess Bride?’ God, Nik, what are you trying to do to me?”


“What, you made me watch ‘Jailhouse Rock,’ twice!”


“That’s a classic!”


“So is this!”


“A pirate in tights chasing a six-fingered murderer, with a giant?”


“So you’ve seen it! I knew it! Well, you can just watch it again, ‘cause it’s my turn to pick! My DVD player, my choice, right?” she retorted, with sparkling eyes and a finger pointing right at him. “And Westley isn’t chasing the six-fingered man. See, you need to watch it again!” He knew that he had lost, and she knew that he didn’t mind at all.


“Alright, I’ll watch it. But you’re buying the pizza! No, I’ll buy the pizza ‘cause you got the last one. But I’ll pick something really good for you next time! You’ll be sorry!”


“Bring it on!” she called from across the room, as she flopped down on the loveseat. Zac was grabbing the menu and pulling out his phone to order. Nikki tossed the magazine on the coffee table and stretched her legs across both seats. She hummed along with the rich, silky tones of Etta James playing softly on the stereo, while Zac called in their order.


I’m gonna love you, like nobody’s loved you, come rain or come shine. High as a mountain, deep as the river, come rain or come shine.


Zac gently lifted her legs so he could sit on the loveseat, and placed them back down on his lap. He looked at her, and she stopped humming along. He jerked his head towards the stereo, and smiled back at her. Something in his eyes and that crooked little smile told her that he wanted to hear her sing along again.


I guess when you met me, oh, it was just one of those things.


His hands were holding her tiny feet in his lap. He was rubbing her toes gently, slowly, through her new white socks, just with his fingertips. He didn’t even realize that he was doing it, because it felt so natural. He stared intently at her face, and she stopped singing along again. Every bit of his attention was focused on her eyes, her lips, the flush of her cheeks, and the tender melody that was calling to him from somewhere outside of them.


You’re gonna love me, like nobody’s loved me, come rain or come shine. Happy together, I’m happy together, and wouldn’t it be fine.


They sat like that together while the song continued. When it ended, Zac placed Nikki’s feet on the floor, and reached out for her hands. He slid closer to her, while the next track started to play. She stared silently into his eyes, questions racing through her mind. He held her hands in his and began to breathe more deeply. After a moment like this, his right arm reached up and grasped a lock of her hair. It felt so soft in his fingers that he leaned in close and brushed it across his lips. Nikki’s breath caught in her throat, and her eyes lowered. His left hand held on more tightly to her hand, as if to steady himself. He leaned in even closer, and she could feel his cheek against her cheek, his fingers running through her hair. His left hand released hers to wrap around her waist and pull her closer to him. His right hand still held her head, his fingers tangled in her soft brown waves. His face was an inch from hers, and her eyes were locked on his. The next song began to play.


Did you say I’ve got a lot to learn. Don’t think I’m trying not to learn. Since this is the perfect spot to learn, oh, teach me tonight.


His eyes asked, and hers answered. Her lips were as soft as he remembered.


Since this is the perfect spot to learn, oh, teach me tonight.


His tongue grazed her lower lip, and she opened her mouth to taste him. It was soft and slow, and just them this time.


Starting with the ABC of it, right down to the XYZ of it.


It became faster and deeper as her arms reached out and wrapped around his back.


Help me solve the mystery of it, oh, come on and teach me tonight.


They sat like that together, hands in hair and rubbing backs and grasping arms, as one song blended into the next. Her lips and her tongue and her breath were one with his, and he couldn’t let her go.


At last my love has come along. My lonely days are over and life is like a song. At last the skies above are blue and my heart was wrapped up in clover the night I looked at you. I found a dream that I could speak to, a dream that I can call my own. I found a thrill to press my cheek to, a thrill that I have never known. Oh, yah, you smiled, and then the spell was cast and here we are in heaven. For you are mine at last.


He kissed her cheek, and her chin, and slowly made his way down to her milky white throat. He kissed her neck, then licked and gently grazed his teeth along her hot skin. He felt her quickening pulse and her breath blowing on his hair. Her nails dug lightly into his back as she pulled him tighter to her. The surprise of this made his head jerk back, and seek her mouth again. He kissed her harder than before, and she responded by reaching for his hair and holding his head firmly to her own. Zac untangled his hand from her hair and lowered it down her shoulder, down to the soft curve at the side of her breast.


Knock-knock-knock.


Zac broke the kiss and jumped back with his hands spread open like he’d been caught stealing. Nikki’s face turned a brighter red, and her eyes were looking everywhere but at Zac. It took him a moment to compose himself enough to go to the door, and Nikki took this opportunity to sneak a glance at him from across the room. She couldn’t believe what had just happened. She had wanted this for so long, probably longer than she had even realized. And knowing now that he obviously wanted her too, in some way, maybe not every way, had left her both happier and more unsettled than she had ever felt before.


Nikki turned off the stereo on her way to the kitchen. She grabbed some napkins and two cans of Coke. Zac sat back down on the loveseat with the pizza, and reached for the remote.


“So, we should get the movie started, huh?” he said, attempting to be nonchalant, and not really looking at her. “I still can’t believe you’re getting me to watch this! I’m going to have to think pretty hard about a movie for you to watch,” he laughed awkwardly.


Nikki took this to mean that he didn’t want to talk about what had just happened. She actually felt a little relieved, because she didn’t know what to say either. But she couldn’t help thinking that she had done something wrong. Maybe he hadn’t really enjoyed it after all. Maybe he was regretting it. She didn’t know what to think.


The movie started, and Zac opened the pizza box. He passed her a slice and took one for himself. He was trying hard to concentrate on the screen and his pepperoni, because if he thought about Nikki, he might not be able to get through the evening.


What had he done? How could he lose control like that? Nikki was his friend, just his friend. That was what he had been telling himself for months, since he had first caught himself watching her from across rooms and tables. Since he realized that he couldn’t keep from touching her in some small way when they were together. Since she began to appear in his dreams these last few nights. He had a girlfriend, and he owed her his loyalty; he had promised it to her. And now he was on the verge of breaking it; had already broken it? But the one thought that couldn’t leave his mind, as modern-day turned to fairy-tale, and Buttercup lost her Westley, was that Nikki must be feeling what he was feeling, and that left him both happier and more unsettled than he had ever felt before.


They nibbled at their pizza, sipped at their Coke, and tried to keep their eyes glued to the TV. To look at them, they may have seemed completely indifferent to one another. But inside, they were churning with uncertainty and needs that neither one knew how to deal with. Zac glanced over at Nikki, when she was glancing over at him, and both jerked their heads back to the screen. This continued through sword-fight and battle of wits, fire-swamp and four fastest ships.


Nikki crossed her legs on the loveseat, and Zac’s hand couldn’t help but reach over to rest on her knee. This touch, so small, so natural, said so much. And soon it was hands in hair and rubbing backs and grasping arms again. Then Nikki was lying back with her head on the plush arm of the loveseat, and Zac’s face was leaning over hers, his body laying partly on hers. He was kissing her, with an exploring tongue, as his hand ran slowly up then down her side. Her arms were around him, her hands under his t-shirt pressing his body to hers. And the movie was forgotten.


Zac woke up with Nikki’s head against his shoulder and his legs curled up to fit his height on the loveseat. He lay facing her, listening to her soft, rhythmic breathing for a long while. He had managed to stop himself before too much had happened. Although, what had already happened was too much, if he was being honest with himself. He wanted to touch her body under those clothes, her soft, curvy body that drove him wild when he watched her dance. He wanted to kiss and taste and know every inch of her. He had a decision to make, and he needed a clearer head to make it.


Nikki woke up when she felt the draft coming from the balcony. She looked out and saw Zac leaning on the railing, just staring out at downtown Toronto. He stood up straight and ran his hand through his hair. She remembered what that hair felt like, and she missed it.


“I have to take a chance,” she thought, and walked towards the balcony.


He heard her quiet footsteps and turned around to greet her with a smile and an outstretched hand. She took it and stood beside him, watching the view for a long while. When she shivered, he wrapped his arms tightly around her and held her close. She reached up and ran her fingers through his hair and smiled.


“Zac, I was wondering… would you…” and she looked down, hesitating.


“What is it?” he almost whispered.


“Would you stay the night with me. Just, to sleep, you know,” and she looked up at him with all the courage she had.


“As you wish,” he smiled at her, and she rested her head against his chest with a giggle, and relief. He had made his decision. He knew that he might change his mind again, before anything else happened, but for now he felt at peace.


The next morning, Zac woke up in Nikki’s bed with her head on his chest and his hand tucked in the waistband of her yoga pants. He lay there for a long while, enjoying the soft warmth of the skin at the small of her back under her tank top, and the rhythm of her breathing. When she began to wake up, he ran his fingers through her hair, brushing it off her face to see her dark eyes as they opened up to him.


Zac ran out for some coffee and a little something sweet to share for breakfast. When he got back, Nikki was waiting for him, all ready to get their day started. They managed to cross only three things off their list all day. They both knew, without saying a word, that this weekend was turning into something special. They didn’t know exactly where it would lead, or where they would go when it was over, but they wanted to take their time and enjoy every moment together.


That evening, in Zac’s apartment, after dishes were washed and tired feet were rested, they sat down together on his couch. Nikki leaned her back against Zac’s chest and he wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her hand. They sat together like that for a long time, fingers entwined, just breathing. He leaned down and ran his cheek against hers, and she turned her face to kiss him, with a smile. His mind raced to the small white paper bag he had carried home in his pocket that morning, as Nikki, now kneeling beside him, wrapped her arms around his neck. He tried to push that thought out of his mind; he didn’t want to lead her where she wasn’t ready to go.


Nikki broke away from his arms with a smile, and jumped up to turn on his stereo. She shook her finger at him, with a stern face and a raised eyebrow, when he tried to see what CD she was playing. As the song began, she playfully moved her hips to the melody of the Supremes.


Whenever you’re near me, I hear a symphony, a tender melody, pulling me closer, closer to your arms.


He watched her shake her stuff for him, eyes running up and down her body, biting his lower lip.


Baby, baby, you bring much joy within. Don’t let this feeling end. Let it go on and on and on.


With every move, her hips and breasts and swinging hair dared him to join her. She turned towards the stereo and swayed her hips back and forth, her hands on the back of her neck. He was behind her then, arms around her waist, breathing heavily into her ear.


Baby, baby, as you stand holding me, whispering how much you care, a thousand violins fill the air.


“Nikki, I want…” but he couldn’t bring himself to ask.


She turned in his arms, and her wild eyes answered him.


His lips crashed down to hers and he stole her breath. Her hands were under his shirt, then tugging it up over his head and dropping it to the floor. Her hands and mouth were on his chest, grazing every contour of his muscles; he was staring down at her, watching her lick circles around his nipple. He unzipped her cardigan and pulled it off her shoulders, letting it fall. She looked up at him with excitement and, something else, in her eyes. Was it fear, or doubt? He didn’t have time to think about it, as her tongue was in his mouth and her hand was firmly holding his ass. She thrilled as she felt his reaction pressing against her.


He took her other hand in both of his, and led her to his bedroom. Seeing his bed, it suddenly became real for her. This was happening! Her mind raced with her heart, and she couldn’t keep up with either. But she knew that this was what she wanted, and she had to take a chance. So she reached out and unbuckled his belt, slowly pulling it out of the loops of his jeans. He grabbed her t-shirt and lifted it over her head, then held her chin up to kiss her quickly. His hand reached out and held her breast, so full in her pretty pink bra. He gently massaged it while she moaned softly, her eyes closed and her mouth open. She undid his jeans, and pushed them down to the floor. With his hands on her jeans’ button, he looked at her and waited for her to nod before undoing them.


When her jeans were on the floor, she suddenly pulled Zac to her and lowered her face. It had hit her like a flash of lightning that he could see her body now. She loved her body, well, she accepted her body, and made the most of it. But realizing that Zac could see her ample curves without the protection of clothes, she became anxious. He sensed that something was wrong, and lifted her face to meet his own. He kissed her softly, slowly, and whispered that she was beautiful.


“I want to see you, Nikki. I want to see all of you. It’s all I’ve had on my mind all day. And, not just today,” he smirked. “Can I, please?” His words and his eyes told her that she could trust him. So she stepped back, just enough for Zac to take her figure in, and his smile was perfect.


His hands ran up her back and unhooked her bra. Her breath quickened as she felt him free her breasts. Her instinct was to cover herself with her arms, but she held them tensely at her sides. When she looked up at his face, she laughed softly at his expression, eyes wide and mouth hung open. He laughed with her, and led her closer to his bed. After he pulled back the covers, he held her tight and whispered, “Are you sure?” She felt his hardness pushing into her abdomen, and answered by tugging at the waistband of his boxers. She pushed them down, and boldly ran her finger along his erection. They were on his bed then, and she thrilled with the weight of him on her body. His mouth and hands explored every part of her, tasting and rubbing and squeezing her curves. He kissed her shoulder and licked her breast, and she dug her nails into his back.


His hands then gripped her hips. He ran his thumbs along her panties, and leaned down to kiss her through the soft cotton. She couldn’t take her eyes off his face as he pulled her panties, so slowly, too slowly, down her legs. But, when his tongue parted her, his gentle hands pushing her legs open, her head fell back and her eyes squeezed shut. Her breath was ragged and quick, her hands tight fists at her sides, reacting to the waves of pleasure his tongue was giving her.


And then he was inside of her, the small box in the white paper bag long since torn open. He had entered her slowly, inch by inch, to make sure that she was ready for him. She had winced slightly at first, but soon the fullness of him in her felt so good, so right. And he was out then in, again and again, and she was losing herself in him.


Graduation’s almost here, my love, oh, come on and teach me tonight.


Then she came like a wave crashing against the shore, his name on her lips like it was twenty letters long. And he was holding her in his arms like he would never let her go. He rolled onto his side, and so did she, and they lay together until they fell asleep.


She woke, still in his arms, to his eyes watching her. There were questions in his eyes. “Nik, I…,” but he couldn’t say it. He didn’t know what he wanted to say, what he could, or should, say.


“Zac, I know you can’t say you love me, or make any kind of promises to me. I knew that… you weren’t… free, when you first kissed me. I understand, but I wanted… this. I don’t know what will happen tomorrow, I don’t even want to think about that, because I’m afraid of it. But I know that we have this tonight. Just give me this, and we’ll figure the rest out later. Just, give me this tonight, okay?”


His eyes were fighting tears as she spoke to him, so raw and honest. He nodded, but couldn’t get his brain to think of the right words to say. All he could manage, with a rasp and a crack in his voice was, “As you wish.” Her smile and small, gentle hand reaching out to touch his cheek, told him he’d done alright.