rioreeve

[rioreeve]

#me

#relatable:zach #//lmao true

[rioreeve]

"And we see them as fur?" He asked rhetorically, arching a brow, even though he doubted that's how people see polar bears. More like... one of those "friend-shaped" creatures that weren't necessarily friends, just like Sada said.

She never struck him as an animal lover, so neither her remark nor the fur surprised him. Despite his attitude being exactly the opposite, he remained neutral and didn't reply with more than a single hum to confirm that he did mean his dog. He wasn't there to convince her dogs were wonderful, after all, but to get some sleep and wait out that gas leak. Zach swirled his drink before taking a sip. "You might be right," he agreed with a small smile, a bit of amusement to it, maybe. "A few masochists might be having fun but even they will probably notice the downsides after tonight. I've heard Ria say something about a big sleepover."

Watching his fingers slide over the fur with it's soft, plush undercoat and thin layer of course, hollow, hairs on top. A strange feeling, but as warm and luxurious as it got. Retracting her arm, his quip brought a very brief, barely there chuckle from her before taking a sip of her drink. "That's entirely true. Considering they actually see us as food." Though there were those who she assumed would place their bets on her in a fight with a polar bear, even she wasn't that arrogant.

"Doom? Ah, yes, your dog." Though there was a hint of disgust in her tone at the word, it was less a personal attack on the specific animal herself than it was her own personal distaste of pets in general. Filthy creatures, there's never be one in her suite. The damaged they caused wasn't worth whatever faux companionship that people attributed to them. "Come, let me show you to your new space then. I expect the two of us will be the only ones getting any sort of sleep the next few days."

#zach:sada #event:the gas leak

[rioreeve]

Bubble baths, booze, and what's next? Even though most people seemed to have gotten used to the lack of those simple pleasures, they seemed pretty concerned whenever that question appeared: what's next? Zach thought this fear was pretty reasonable because the next thing could be something more serious. Like no power at all. Or no water. Now that would be a problem. He just smiled at Ashton's comment; they would get over it. As long as it didn't affect their morale and was limited to a simple "I wish I could" everything was okay.

Still, he couldn't help his reaction to their current discussion. He wished he hadn't reacted slightly immaturely to his friend's question, but there he was, laughing and doing his best to calm down. "Okay, okay..." he said when he finally calmed down, raising both hands, waving in a helpless "I surrender" gesture. "Let's just add it to the list, you're right. I know it would be easier, I get that." Zach simply gave up, deciding not to say a word about it. Better safe than sorry, after all. Clearing his throat, he did his best to focus back on what was next on their list. "Let's leave the most controversial part of our grocery list behind... How about we split it into categories and see where we'll get those things from. Oh, and I think we'll need two women in a team responsible for meds and shit to take care of things like tampons, diapers, and whatever we don't know anything about." He smiled a little. "I don't wanna hear them complain men fucked up again. So let's just keep that in mind."

He knew it was wishful thinking, hoping that someone else more capable would just come in and do their jobs for them, but Ash would've worried too much anyways unless he did it himself. Ash lightly snorted at the idea of bubble baths in these times, what a waste of water more likely. "Eh, they'll get over it," he waved it off, not knowing the qualms of not having a bubble bath considering he hasn't had one since forever. Would anyone actually complain over it? The fact that they still had running water in the tank is the best thing they could ask for. Running out of water was another thing they had so solve.. and Ashton hopes he has the solution.

He felt like he opened an embarrassing can of worms he didn't mean to by the harmless question asked, pouting in silence as Zach went on his laughing streak. He's never even heard a laugh this loud from Zach before so it was a first. Zach audibly quieten down but his body was still laughing and Ash simply stared back, was it really that weird a question to ask? It seemed easy enough personally for him, especially when you're in survival mode. "I- ..no," Ash folded his arms and sulked, "it's not that hard.. Just seemed like a problem that could easily be solved just by not... doing it." But guess he always was a little broken in that sense, as his old comrades would tease. "Whatever.. just add it to the list," he turned away from Zach and grumbled towards the board to change the subject before the focus actually falls on him, writing it as part of the medical and sanitation bunch.

#zach:ash #p:supply run planning #//no more condoms it's tampons time lmao

[rioreeve]

Of course, his reaction was just as devoid of any excessive facial expressions as always, even though Ember's reply and laughter made perfect sense. He only offered her an "I'm dead serious" quirk of a brow and a tiny smile, just in case this message got lost in the silliness of his words. "I don't understand why Zachary would be a good nickname if it's longer than my name," he muttered, genuinely confused, but he wasn't going to stop her from using that. "Right..." he added just for the sake of it, a slightly puzzled look still on his face.

Whatever nicknames and girl bands they still wanted to discuss, the freezing air convinced them it could wait. "Yeah, I know. This run's gonna be our pain in the ass." If Zach started to feel cold it simply had to be bad. Sure, it didn't make them run back inside and Doom still seemed happy for his walk, even though it was obvious he would be even happier to come back to his warm bed. Smiling at Ember's question, Zach offered a thoughtful "Hm" before he added anything after a short pause. "Good question. It really should, to some degree. If they feel pain, they should still feel the cold... But pain doesn't stop nor bother them and they clearly don't freeze..." Another, louder, and even more curious "Hm". Slightly more amused, too, maybe. Now that was something he hadn't pondered before. "The snow does make them slower for sure, though."

Scoffing at him with a roll of her eyes, there was no way to deny the laughter that bubbled up from absolute silliness of those words spoken in his deadpan delivery. "You're so silly." Words flitting off the head of a tsking of her tongue and a little wave of her hand in his direction, which shifted into another of the same though tonally different. "Pfft, well to me it's Zachary. It'll be like your nickname, since your name is the nickname of that name. So it makes it like... ironic, right?"

Peering around the door before finally stepping out into the snow with a little 'Woo' at the sudden hit of cold air, she nodded at him to close it behind them, ready to keep close at his back. "Man... We think it's cold inside... that's nothing compared to out here." Whispering just loud enough to be heard, she kept maybe a little too close to his back as they started down the alley. "Do you think the cold makes those things slower? Like stiff you know?"

#zach:ember

[rioreeve]

#aesthetic:zach #hc:zach #misc:hobbies #misc:skills

[rioreeve]

It all made sense to him, and Zach felt he was responsible and clever enough to accept this... position. Of course, it sounded scary and new to him, but he would assimilate. Rather sooner than later. He perked up a little at the mention of his parents and smiled at Tobias. "Thank you. To be perfectly honest... I'm hoping I'll get the chance to hear it from them, too, but... I just want you to know I appreciate your words." His smile widened a little as he still digested all the information. "I've known you my whole life. Your reassurance means a lot."

Their conversation got a bit heavier with that bit, so Zach tried to go back to what mattered most now. "Alright... Sounds like we'll be taking care of what we know most about and that's promising. Has Ashton suggested what we'd need?"

Zach was sure that he had, but he didn't want to repeat anything Ash might have already said, nor did he want to reinvent the wheel. "I might have a vague idea I'd like to discuss further with him, for this run, at least."

"Exactly. Yourself and Ash heading up the scouts, keeping all the information gathered about what's out there gathered together. Keeping things organized with dedicated leadership will be essential going forward if we're planning for the long term." Nodding his head with a proud little smile, Tobias offered a small pat to the younger man's father. "I had little doubt you would be, Zach. In absence of your parents, I will say that I'm really proud of how you've stepped up in all of this. You're a good man."

Clearing the hint of sickness that his growing emotion had started to implant into his voice, he once more returned to the matter at hand. "Charlie has agreed to take charge of inventory working with Rosie who will remain as head of rations. Mal is of course maintenance and engineering. Most of these roles are intuitive, but I think making them more official to the rest of the residents will bring some peace of mind to them. Having strong leadership makes people feel more secure."

#zach:tobias sr.

[rioreeve]

Zach smiled at her words, feeling it slightly reminded him of how he felt about Courtney without realizing it before it was, well, too late. The premonition of love, just like he thought. Maybe this apocalyptic love story would be better and he wished Charlie and Roman the happiness he and Courtney weren't lucky enough to get. "Yeah. No point indeed."

They both seemed happy to switch to a different subject, not a lighter one, at least not in Zach's eyes, but still better than their love life. Besides, Charlie clearly enjoyed talking about Skyler, her reply as sweet and full of love as possible, but definitely not like she was trying to hide something important. He really was like a brother to her and she presented a picture he thought sounded... believable. "I've only noticed silly and reckless," he said jokingly, "But if you're saying we can trust him... Yeah, I believe you." Zach paused, unsure if he could and should share all his thoughts with Charlie, but after a moment he decided it would be better to keep them to himself. "I just needed some reassurance, especially in the light of current events. I... don't think you're surprised, are ya?"

"I think... maybe it was like that for him. I sorta had a crush on him from first sight." Then over the years of flirtation she'd fallen absolutely in love with him. "I just think there's no point in denying it anymore when who knows..." How much time they had left. Those words, though, felt insensitive to speak out loud, so she left them to hang there unspoken.

Relieved at the change of subject, she nodded her head in confirmation of her closeness with Skyler, which only intensified at his question. "He definitely is. I mean he's silly and he can definitely be reckless, but he's got way too much ego to risk his life for attention. I know he comes off like he doesn't take anything seriously, but he's a good and loyal guy. Believe me, we can trust him.'

#zach:charlie #event:the gas leak

[rioreeve]

Zach sighed, looking around the room. Maybe she was right. He decided to keep his thoughts to himself, just in case, which, truthfully, shouldn't be a problem at all.

Chuckling at Charlie's comment, he nodded in agreement. She was right, some of Ria's outfits were so pink she could tell people it was a Barbie cosplay. Other times she looked like a cute witch and she would switch between these two moods almost at random. Zach had to admit he liked both. "Yeah, I agree. She's got this something..." He smiled at Charlie. "I'll leave all these pink outfits to Ria."

A smile still on his face, but a little playfulness to it all but gone now, Zach replied "It's like... The premonition of love. You can feel it will happen, but you don't know it yet." He arched a brow. "Sounds familiar?" He never paid attention to other people's affairs, other people's business was never his, but now they were stuck in this building for better of worse, so Zach thought he was allowed to comment on this very relationship. He also thought it was the right time to ask Charlie one more thing.

"You and Skyler are close. Do you think he could have done something stupid just for the drama?" He paused, but picking the right words was never his forte. "He's your friend. But is he our ally?"

"I know it's not. And you know it's not. But them..." Nodding towards the others milling about and attempting to get settled, she turned her attention back to him as she spoke. "It comes off like it is."

Happy with the humor infused into their conversation, she shook her head. "I mean it would definitely clash with your hair depending what shade it is. I'm pretty sure I've seen her wear outfits that incorporated every one of them at once. Only she could pull those looks off the way she does."

Smile growing softer but also more relieved, her bangs slipped back into her face as she nodded her appreciation at him, though they went entirely ignored. "That's really beautiful. I'm not sure what it means, but... it feels apt. And... thank you. I mean, it's... fresh, but... it's nice." Not that they were flaunting their affections in front of everyone, especially now with her brothers in the Atrium with them, but it was still nice to have it.

#zach:charlie #event:the gas leak

[rioreeve]

Zach's smile wasn't the widest, but he appreciated the joke and so did Ria, a knowing smile on her face. She already felt bad for him for picking that spot, by the way, and she even winced a little just before Sada started working on the tattoo. Zach, however, seemed unbothered and didn't want to change the spot, accepting that it was going to hurt. Sitting there with his shirt half pulled up, he tried to find the most comfortable position so Sada could work in peace, and even though the first time the needles went into his skin he winced a little, surprised by how it felt, Zach thought that all the stinging and tingling was a part of the whole experience. Now he understood what Ria meant when she said he should turn the pain in his head into something more tangible.

Sipping in her drink, Ria watched them in silence, the man's trademark lack of small talk feeling slightly different this time and she didn't even try to fill the void with some words. When Sada handed Zach the mirror, he studied the fresh marking for a moment before letting out an appreciative hum. Exactly what he wanted. "Thanks, Sada. It's perfect." He shifted in his seat a little to show Ria the tattoo, and she nodded eagerly in agreement, still surprisingly quiet. He looked down to see the marking how from the perspective he would most often see it from. "How often do you... tattoo people?"

"Well... you won't be likely to forget it after today." Chuckling a little to herself as she finished getting set up, Sada cleaned the spot carefully before shifting closer so she'd get a good angle and enough pressure. "This is going to hurt, but don't tense up too much." He didn't seem the type that was going to writhe all over the place, but you never knew. He'd picked a rather sensitive place, after all.

Putting the needle to his skin free hand, all focus on the task at hand, it didn't take long at all before she was sitting back to examine her work after a final swipe off excess ink. "All done." There where he'd pointed was, small, and simple, '12/18'. Bold and almost in a sort of vintage computer font, she had to admit she was rather proud of it for free hand. Reaching down for the mirror she kept in her pack, she held the purple, plastic backed reflection up for him to examine his new marking.

"What do you think?"

#zach:sada #zach:ria

[rioreeve]

It was a rhetorical question, the kind he didn't ask often since they were both pointless and useless, but this time at least the answer brought an amused smile to his face. "Sure, not a bad idea," he said, nodding his thanks for the drink. The only reason he asked for one was because he knew Sada would have something good to offer, and he wasn't wrong. The first sip felt like the perfect way to end this... Day? Evening? Night? He mechanically reached out to feel the fur as she held out her arm, slightly out of character for him, but he had to admit that he was curious if it was as soft as it looked. "Much safer than petting it while it's still alive."

Humming in agreement, he followed Sada to the other room. He had to admit that the idea of leaving his four-legged friend wasn't the easiest decision, but Doom would fall asleep in the middle of a death metal concert if he had to. Zach appreciated the silence Sada's penthouse provided. "You won't even remember I'm here." Most likely. He was the least problematic roommate; quiet, minding his own business, just wanting to be left alone when nobody needed anything from him. "Thank you. I don't need much to stay warm. If I still lived on the 9th floor I'd let Doom in my bed to keep him warm," he joked.

Making her way to a bar to prepare them both a drink, his question turned her attention back to him with a smile of surprisingly genuine amusement. "Of course not, but I keep it next to my bed in case I need to leave it. I'm thinking of raiding the unoccupied suite for wood one of these days so I can actually use my fireplace." A drink in each hand as she made her way back toward him, Sada held it out in offer as she took a sip of her own audaciously expensive cognac. "You can touch it if you like. Most people will never get a chance to feel polar bear fur." Holding out her free arm in offer, she let him take a feel if he felt so inclined, before stepping back.

"Follow me to the guest room. The blankets in there should be sufficient enough to keep you warm. Don't worry, you can sleep as long as you like as long as you stay out of my way." Best to let him get some sleep to make sure he was sufficient grateful to her before she tried to really pry anything from him. No need to rush alliance building these days.

#zach:sada #event:the gas leak

[rioreeve]

Wrinkling his nose with a mocking smile, he turned to Ember. "Sure... I'll tell you what I want, I wanna really, really, really wanna zig-a-zig-ah bring-you-back. In one fucking piece." He arched a brow in amusement. "And it's Zach. Zach Reeve sounds like Zachary. But it's just Zach," he added casually; a lot of effort put into explaining something he paid so little attention to. His parents seemed to have had a creative moment there, but it could have been worse.

He decided not to comment on her outfit and how she really looked like a sixth Spice Girl, but all he cared for was if she'd stay warm. Not that Zach's outfits didn't attract attention; it would be the pot calling the kettle black. With a small smile, he nodded and opened the door, then stepped outside to make sure it was safe to give Ember a sign to join him. It was impossible for zombies to walk around, dragging their feet, and not leave any trails behind them; most of those had been covered by a layer of snow, the creatures' tracks barely visible now that Zach studied the streets. It should be safe enough for a quick walk.

"Alright, let's go," he said, stepping aside so Ember could join him, and closed the door behind them.

Dec 13;

"They're just platformed, Zachary." Rolling her eyes at him with a scoff as she motioned to her shoes, Ember couldn't help her exasperation. "The Spice Girls ran all over London in platformed sneakers twice this high. I'll be fine. See?" Mimicking the motion of running, the messy bun she'd pulled her mane of golden waves into flopping comically behind her head.

Motioning from the increasingly impatient Doom and to the door with her own lack of patience, Ember pulled her ultra poofy white winter jacket down in preparation to head out. Between that, her fancy rhinestone incrusted earmuffs, black lined leggings, and her platformed sneakers, she kinda felt like a Spice Girl, if she was honest. At least with all the white she'd blend mostly in with the snow that blanketed the city.

"Just open the door, Blue. We'll be fine."

#zach:ember

[rioreeve]

“Everyone should have themselves regularly overwhelmed by Nature.”

— George Harrison  (via diramu)

#aesthetic:zach

[rioreeve]

💚

Send 💚 for a reason NOT to date my muse

💚 - "Just don't." [stands up and tries to walk away. has to be dragged back to the table to actually answer the meme. sighs and draws a dick in the corner. he is allowed to leave.]

He wants to make up for being "a boring guy" and "tries too hard", which might be cute at first, but gets quite overwhelming after some time.

#answered asks:meme day #meme:reasons (not) to date #//OMG it was in my drafts the whole time lol

[rioreeve]

#hc:zach #misc:hobbies #misc:skills

[rioreeve]

Zach pointed to himself. "Just remember: no complaints here. Wrong address." He watched Courtney stuff her mouth with more delicious snacks, wondering what Eric would say when he told him about this idea. To Zach, a blind date sounded like a nightmare, so he was curious how some people could be excited about them. A damn torture... Nothing exciting about those.

"I mean parkour," he said with a grin, but he already knew it meant even more sweat and Courtney would turn it down, no matter how much fun it looked. More effort, at least. Sweat was an enemy he had to avoid if he didn't want to slip and break an arm, or worse. A hobby he had taken up years ago, looking for a compromise when his parents decided he needed extra Physics classes, was now neglected, and Zach had to admit he missed it. "Dancing with Ria is harder, though," he added solemnly. "Way harder."

"What? It's not working?" Faking defeat at first, Zach's broad smile was back the second he let his guard down and his true emotions took over again. It was true, though. He could turn his words into a playful remark and keep them like that, but he meant what he said. "You're not mad anymore anyway. And I might've heard you say you've got something for me..."

"See! That's what I thought, too, when she brought it up. They'd be so cute together." Brows rising as she stuffed a bit more of her chosen goodies into her face, there was little thought from her on decorum with her, especially considering he'd seen her absolutely demolish a medium pizza on her own on more than one occasion.

"Oh, you mean, running?" Doing her best to speak around her full mouth, the obstruction didn't really seem to impede her speech all that much. "See, I don't like to sweat all that much, so I think I'll leave the running to people who are good with that. Like you. Dancing with Ria is always fun, though." And definitely a work out. Cheeks filling with a bit of colour at his words, her flattery went right to her head, vocalized by the deliberately exaggerated girlishness of her giggle.

"Oh please, you're just trying to butter me up so I'm not mad about the Christmas presents anymore."

#zach:courtney #bnyxmas

[rioreeve]

He looked at Charlie, wondering if they ever talked about anything more serious than good coffee places in the city, how many cups a day was too many, or why he only switched to tea when he was visiting Japan. Even then, he could count those short conversations on the fingers of one hand. With a sigh, he nodded when she corrected him, feeling slightly relieved that he wasn't the only one who didn't like the sound of the word "leader" when used about him. He'd probably hear the same thing from Rosie or Ashton, but to Zach, it seemed to fit everyone else just fine.

He watched Doom drink his water as Charlie spoke, a few more nods proving Zach was listening intently even if he had so little to say himself. "It's not negativity," he said, without turning to her or explaining what he thought would be a better word to describe his current attitude towards the situation. Especially since he agreed that it was even more important to focus on keeping the spirits up now. He simply wasn't the right person to verbally help them with that, only if there was something he could do. Zach didn't think anyone paid attention to what he said anyway, probably expecting silence or something cynical. "Good I don't have to be Ria. Pink isn't my color," he added with a smile.

"Thanks." He sighed and his smile widened a bit. More or not, Zach didn't need an excuse to hide from people, so he appreciated the offer. "There are so many words for love in Japanese but I never understood what they needed koi no yokan for, aside from a tattoo design for white couples who don't even speak the language. I'm glad your apocalyptic love story turned out luckier." With bittersweet but sincere words, he gave Charlie's hand a gentle squeeze – surprisingly, he didn't mind the touch. "You deserve it."

Returning the smile he graced her with, Charlie let go of her defenses instantly and felt a hint of the tension leave her shoulders. Taking the chance to lower down to sit beside him, the fact that she was attempting to console him more than enough reason for a break. Not that anyone would hold it against her but herself, but still. "-Ers. Leaders. Mr. Wexley, of course. But also you, Ashton, Rosie, Toby... me." Tone falling a little at having to refer to herself as a leader at all, the little flinch she'd hardly been able to hide making it obvious she didn't quite agree with the assessment when it came to her either.

"Leaders we may not be, but it's what we've found ourselves as. You and Ash with the scouting and Rosie and I with the food and the inventory." They'd found themselves involuntarily in vital positions, and there was little they could do about it now without rocking a boat more unstable under it all than it seemed. The longer things went on, the more that happened to them, the thinner the nerves of those around them, the more they themselves were looked to.

"I'm not saying you need to be Ria or anything, I just think... that maybe we shouldn't be sounding this close to giving up when there's others around who can hear it. Negativity is infectious, and I honestly believe that it can be deadly right now." They'd already lost at least one person to suicide and who's to say they wouldn't find more as time went on.

Reaching over, she rested a hand on one of his own. "You've been through more than most of us, and if you ever need a breather feel free to hide in the kitchen whenever you need."

#zach:charlie #event:the gas leak

[rioreeve]

More competent people... Zach thought they were quite lucky to have such people on board, even if he wasn't so sure he would have admitted that a few weeks ago. Charlie and Rosie had been doing a great job at feeding this community, Mal looked after the building so their home remained a relatively safe place, and Mr. Wexley was a good leader, doing everything in his power to keep the people's spirits up. And then there were Ash and Zach, entertaining themselves with tasks like this one. Smiling at his friend, Zach arched a brow as if he wanted to say that he was asking for something that wouldn't happen and they both knew that well.

Not the nicest of topics, but he would argue that he could think of a few worse scenarios. That didn't change the fact that he didn't want to freeze to death or watch anyone else struggle with these temperatures. Zach was surprisingly resilient to cold as if his own body didn't want him to wear that neon bomber jacket, but this winter? Even he wanted it to be over already, so going outside wouldn't be such a pain in the ass, and planning their trips could be easier. He hummed in agreement and added half-jokingly, "Not to mention how the lack of bubble baths dampened some people's moods." So many things could go wrong now and they didn't need any of this. He was glad Mal had prepared a list for them. However, before he managed to focus on their notes, lists, and maps, he raised his eyes at Ash again. An explanation offered by Zach seemed to have made sense to him, prevention instead of adding a few more problems to their never-ending list and such, but it clearly wasn't enough. Staring at the other in disbelief and amusement, the expression on Zach's face started to tip slightly to the latter until he couldn't hold it back anymore and burst into laughter.

It wasn't often that the usually stoic man laughed like this; he had to hide his face in his hands, body jerking in now soundless laughter. Was it the question, the wording, or just the idea that they should have to give up yet another bit of normalcy they still had? Catching his breath in a few desperate gulps as he finally started to calm down, Zach waved his hand apologetically, genuinely sorry for his reaction. At least to some degree. Oh, how he wished they focused back on their task already. "I don't know, man, wanna ask them?"

No other choice, huh? "We just need more competent people to take over," Ash let out a sigh that admits defeat, accepting whatever they're doing now as something that has to be done. Sometimes Ash wished he could have just sat back and done nothing at all. But it would probably eat at him too much to have been completely useless, worse than the current pain and effort of actually doing something.

"Right? Freezing to death is honestly the worst way to go," Ash shivered at the thought, grateful for someone like Mal bring able to keep the place going. He furrowed his brow as if perplexed by Zach's reaction to the comment, because he had a point. The prevention now will save them a thousand of headaches later and there's never a harm in prevention. Ashton understood that notion very well as someone that usually over prepares and think of every worst case scenario and plan for them. But this particular topic just makes him confused about a human nature he just... doesn't get. "...Well.. why can't they just stop banging?" Ash throws a hand up in the air, it was easy for him obviously.

#zach:ash #p:supply run planning #//omg same it's hilarious