head in the clouds

My name is Zachary Williams. I am forty years old and I am a hotel manager at one of the hotels here in Chicago. If you think you can handle being my friend then let's see.

[jam-al-damiri]

It was starting to cool down outside and Jam was thrilled.  He’d grown up in Egypt and had been used to the heat, but he’d been living in New York and Chicago since he was 18 and he’d lost his tolerance for heat.  He had a catalog shoot that day and he was on a break for a little while, standing on the street outside the studio so he could smoke when he saw someone he knew. 

“Hey! You know, I’ve got about 45 minute left on break and I’m dying for some coffee, do you want to go grab some before I have to go back in.” 

@chicagcstart​

[thatonezachary]

Luckily Zachary had a day off today because he really needed it. Work was exhausting and he didn’t get to be outside much, so when he was off, he was out walking and just enjoying the day. It was only whenever he thought he noticed a familiar face that he grinned and said, “I don’t know, stranger. I don’t let just anyone take me for some coffee.” 

He then shook his head, obviously showing he was joking, “Sure. Come on, let’s go.”

[thatonezachary]

victoriadonahue​:

Victoria was determined to make things work between them. She had feelings for him, and she wouldn’t be able to forgive herself if she didn’t give it a shot. Especially considering they now had a baby on the way. “Right? I’m glad you agree. It definitely elevates our relationship! There’s no one I want to experience this journey with more than you. Things happen for a reason, right?” The blonde smiled, leaning in to kiss Zach back with just as much passion, her arms draping around his shoulders. As they pulled back for a moment, her grin was still ever present on her face. His next admission made her beam even more. “Oh my god. You do? I love you too.”

Looking around the store, she spotted a clerk serving a few customers. “There’s one over at the counter. I assume they’ve got a certain type of mattress that goes with it, I can ask them.” She replied, pointing over to the cash register before leading the way. Once they approached the counter, a smiling store assistant greeted them. Victoria asked the questions she needed to before settling everything up. She turned back to Zach then. “We’re getting the mattress that goes with this model of crib, are you happy with that?”

Hearing all of this, it just made Zachary come to his senses and what she was saying just made him see clearly. “Yeah, I...I think things do happen for a reason and I don’t know how you feel about this, but I was always taught that a man should marry his lady and especially if they’re having a kid together. But even without all of that, I think eventually we would’ve been something cause I like you and you like me.” He rambled on a bit, pretty sure he was talking nonsense or making complete sense to her. “Yes. I do love you. I love you. I will tell your parents, too, if you want me to?” He arched an eyebrow.

“Okay, come on, let’s go see what all this is about then.” He motioned as he went over to ask about the mattress. Soon the clerk would be away to check for him, so he turned back towards the other. “I’m happy with that, yeah. Are you happy with everything?”

[thatonezachary]

stella-fuentes​:

“Well, I do apologize for interrupting your break.” Stella’s tone was dripping with sarcasm. “Actually, I didn’t interrupt me, so I take that completely insincere apology back.” She chuckled, crossing her arms. “I’m a lover, not a fighter. So, you’re safe either way.”

“Thanks, princess. You realize my time is valuable.” He added with just as much sarcasm. “Well since you took it back, why are you still here? I mean, unless you just so happen to enjoy my company.” He joked. “I’m sure.”

[thatonezachary]

victoriadonahue​:

Victoria noted the man’s blush, and found it incredibly cute. She loved seeing the soft side of him, and hoped as time went on that he’d open up to her some more. “Yeah, I think I’ll be fine, but you never know. Plus, you know I prefer my bed with you in it. But let’s see how things go.” She smiled sweetly, a look of admiration in her eyes. “We are! Who would have thought that we’d be parents? I’m looking forward to experiencing this with you.” Her smile only grew as she felt him pull her close and press a kiss against her porcelain skin. “Well, if you say so, I will. I like to please.”

With a nod, she agreed with Zach’s comment, feeling as though they were on the same wavelength. “White and wood sounds perfect. I’m not one to hold onto tradition. I’m happy to go with that idea. Are you happy with this particular model of crib? There’s a few more on the other side.” She questioned with a raised brow, pointing to a few different cribs on the other side. 

Laughing softly, he could tell she was trying and it really did warm Zachary’s stone cold heart. The man figured he should’ve been the one trying hard, but he liked feeling like she wanted him. “I like that, yeah. The bed part with us together.” He then sighed, “Me too. I think it’s just amazing that we got this chance together because we were already great friends. It kinda elevates our relationship, I think.” He pointed to himself. Soon the man was kissing Victoria. His hands tried to wrap around her waist as he felt the romantic part in him take over. “You know I love you, right?”

Looking over the crib, he then nodded, “This one should be fine. How do we pay for it? Is there some worker that helps us around here?” Zach looked around a bit. 

[thatonezachary]

victoriadonahue​:

“You’re so good to me.” Victoria smiled softly. She really appreciated Zach’s generosity, it meant the world to her, but she definitely knew she was going to insist on using some of her savings. She couldn’t let her lover do it all on his own. “No, not yet. I think I’ll probably take my leave when I’m around seven months. I can work until then, as long as this morning sickness settles down.” A soft laugh left her lips at Zach’s next words. She wholeheartedly agreed with the whole sentiment. They were going to be the happiest family on the beach. The blonde was going to make sure of that. “I think so too! We’ll be the happiest family in all of Chicago, I can guarantee. Oh… well, you’ve definitely given me hope there.” She felt her cheeks turn pink, completely flattered by his compliments. “Oh yeah? Well, thanks. I’m glad you approve. It’s this new shampoo I’m trying.” At that, her eyes began scanning the store in search of what they were looking for. “That sounds like a plan to me! There’s a nice one over here. What type? Are you thinking wood… or maybe something white? We should probably go neutral until we find out the gender, don’t you think?”

“I don’t think i’ve done anything that’s good. I’m just trying to be a decent guy.” He didn’t take compliments well, but if the other were to notice his face right now, Zachary’s cheeks were about as heated up as food after being taken out of a microwave. “So at seven months you think you’ll be okay living alone, or should we move in together for the time being?” Unless he was already head over heels in love and proposing to her at that point. All Zachary knew was that he wanted to take care of her as best as he could and also make her feel comfortable. “That’s a given. We even seem like the happiest right now, honestly. I’m glad to hear it, Victoria.” The man then tried to wrap an arm around her and kiss her on the cheek. “I say keep using it and never stop. It’s perfect.” He usually wasn’t this vocal about compliments or things he liked on other people, but with Victoria it just came easy. “How about white and wood? Eh, pink or blue is so outdated, but if you want to wait for your room to get painted we can. I however, like that white and wood idea.”

[arevlusin-deactivated20210226]

[thatonezachary]

victoriadonahue​:

“Of course I am! I’ve always been cool. I agree. Bad boys are way more fun, too.” Victoria giggled, wagging her brows a little at her own joke. It was so effortless being with Zach, she could truly be herself around him, and actually enjoyed it. It didn’t feel forced unlike some of her past relationships. “We’ll see how things go. I’ve got my savings for this too. I didn’t really know what to do with it before this news so I’m glad it can be put to good use. Plus, it will be fun when we get to decorate the nursery.” A grin tugged at her lips then, thinking about the memories that were going to be made. She thanked Zach when he opened the door for her, internally noting how much of a gentleman he was. “Family holidays! That’s going to be fun. Taking our little one to the beach as they grow up… I honestly can’t wait. I’ll always be your family, Zach. That’s a promise. Even if things don’t work out romantically between us.” Seeing the blush creep upon the man’s cheeks only brightened her mood even more. “But I love giving you compliments! Because you deserve them.” None of that was a lie, either. She would shower him with praise all day and night if she could. “So… I assume a crib is what we should look for first? I have no idea what to look for.” She stated, pondering where to even begin. She was out in the deep end at that point, but it was relieving to know she wasn’t alone. It took a moment before she fished her iPhone out of her bag, quickly opening up a parenting website for new parent. “Okay, so, according to BabyCenter, the vital items we need are crib, a mattress, a nursing chair, baby monitor, clothes… and the list goes on.”

“Oh yeah? Is that was draws you in to bad boys?” Zachary was amused at this point because Victoria never seemed like the type to be into bad boys to Zachary, but here she was, telling him that she in fact did like that type of guy. “You keep your savings. I’ll figure out a way to get everything the baby needs, okay? Have you taken your work leave yet?” Zachary was just curious and wasn’t sure exactly how all that even worked. “It’s gonna be the best time ever. I bet we’re gonna be the happiest family on that whole beach and all the other beaches, too. Thank you for saying that to me, but don’t count me out just yet. Who’s to say I won’t want anything romantic, huh?” He chuckled softly, arching an eyebrow. “Then it’s my turn to give you compliments, too. Like how pretty and shiny your hair is. It smells nice, too. It’s like a field of flowers or something.” He shrugged, not sure what the smell of her hair was exactly, but he knew it was something nice. As he walked around in the store, he figured he’d have to get a good amount of things from here within the coming months. “Wow, that’s a lot of stuff. Okay, let’s get the crib and mattress first. Where’s that stuff at?”

[thatonezachary]

stella-fuentes​:

“A lone wolf, huh? That explains why you’re hanging out out here on your own.” Stella nodded, looking the man up and down. “Well, here’s hoping that you’re not just all talk. Every guy says they’re decent until they have to actually prove it.”

“Well that and i’m on a quick work break.” He shrugged, figuring it was just a good excuse as any. “If i’m all talk then you can slap me, but I know i’m not all talk.”

[thatonezachary]

stella-fuentes​:

“I wouldn’t say it was a great point, but it was a point.” Stella countered. “I think we both know that what I said didn’t mean shit. You’re a grown ass man, you’ll do what you want.” She shrugged. “You trying to tell me that you’re the hero type? You see a damsel in distress and go running?”

“It was something.” He shrugged, soon arching an eyebrow. “That’s the damn truth. I don’t need anyone telling me anything. I’m somewhat of a lone wolf.” Zach shrugged. “I’m just a decent guy. When someone needs help, i’m not gonna just stand by.”

[thatonezachary]

victoriadonahue​:

“I think you would have, too. I wasn’t that into the jocks. I preferred the bad boys, and I suppose I still do.” Victoria chuckled, a wicked grin blooming upon her features as she kept her eyes on him, watching his every move. “I know, I know. I’m sorry. We can take this as slowly as you want. We’ve still got a while before the birth.” The journalist reassured gently. If Vic was anything, she was incredibly organized. She looked at the finest details of everything, and often came across as rather pedantic. All she wanted was for everything to be in order in not only her career, but her personal life too. “I am? Now that’s probably the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me. I want to be here for you forever. I’m always going to be on your team.” She meant that more than anything. “They will be! We’re going to give them a great life and we’re going to be an amazing little family. I know that for sure.” As she felt Zach’s hand take hers, she practically glowed. “Same with you. I can’t resist those eyes of yours… and your charm. It’s almost intoxicating.”

“See? I had a feeling you were much cooler than you let me think. Who needs those jocks anyway. A bad boy would have taken care of you better.” He smiled at Victoria, just enjoying their time talking and getting to know her more. “Don’t be sorry. You had a genuine question and I wish I had the answer for you. As of now though, I think I could buy double of the things we need. It wouldn’t hurt because if something breaks, we would have a back up.” He scratched the back of his head before holding the door open to the place and moving aside so Victoria could step in first. “Yes, you are. Oh, I think you will be, just as i’ll be there for you forever, too.” The man shrugged while feeling a light blush overtake his facial features. “We are even going to have great family holidays. I think you’ve given me the family i’ve always wanted.” He was grateful for Victoria in his life. “Oh stop it. Come on, you know I never get these much compliments and now you’re turning me into a soft guy.”

[thatonezachary]

victoriadonahue​:

“I mean… it’s not unbelievable, but I still think you would have been lovely. I was a cheerleader and president of the debate team. You think we would have been friends?” Vic questioned playfully, winking at him in a teasing manner. She was a natural flirt, and couldn’t help herself when she was around Zach. “Let’s go then. Though, the question is… do we have separate nurseries in our own homes? Or do we… move in together for when the baby arrives? I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be overwhelming… I know this is moving so fast. Two weeks ago, if someone told me I was pregnant, I would call them crazy.” She sighed as she ran her fingers through her blonde hair, slowly beginning to walk towards the store. “I really don’t think my parents will care about that. If it makes you feel any better, my dad is a heavy smoker. I think they’ll surprise you. I can promise you I’ve had some horrific boyfriends. You are amazing, Zach. I think the world of you.” A laugh left her lips, shaking her head. “Not at all. I have to be at the office by 7:30 anyway. I think that works out well.” Her focus then drifted down to the ground, watching her own feet as she walked before gazing back up at the taller man. “Is it okay if I held your hand?”

“Lovely? You’re being funny, Victoria. We might’ve been more than friends. I would have tried to get you from all those football players. I’d have made them jealous.” He shrugged. “Hold on, move in together? You keep dropping big news on me. I’m surprised i’m still standing.” Zachary joked as he shook his head, continuing to walk to the store. “Consider me surprised hearing about your dad. I think the world of you, too. In fact, you are my world because I have nobody else.” He told her honestly. “Look at us, all working and stuff. I bet our kid will be proud of us.” Zach then reached to hold the other’s hand, then tried to place a kiss on her cheek. “You can always hold my hand. I will never say no to you. I promise.”

[thatonezachary]

victoriadonahue​:

“Oh, you were a troublemaker, were you?” Vic smirked, suddenly picturing a younger Zach wreaking havoc. Frankly, she found it rather adorable. “That sounds like a perfect idea. There’s a furniture place on the next block, I’ve heard they’ve got some good stuff for nurseries.” She suggested whilst gesturing in the direction the store was located. “Why? I don’t see how there’s a problem… you’re a good guy. One of the best. Don’t doubt that, please. I think you’re wonderful.” Every single word she said was one hundred percent genuine. She didn’t like when the man was self-deprecating, it stung her heart to think he underestimated his worth. “I would love that. Did you want to stay over tonight? We can have the night together…”

‘Yes, I was. Is it not believable?” He joked around, even laughing a bit hard. Zach was amused at this conversation and where it was going. “We should check it out then. I want to start getting the big stuff, like the most important things first.” He told her, soon giving her a soft grin. “Well people look at where i’m from and how my family wasn’t really the best, then they look at my face and figure I am rude or a bad guy. Plus my smoking and how I like to dress? I am kinda like a nightmare for parents.” He shrugged. “Sure, i’ll stay over. Would you hate me if I left early for work though?”

[thatonezachary]

victoriadonahue​:

There was nothing in that moment that could sour Victoria’s mood. “I thought you’d say that… that would be cute, though. A mini Zach running around would be precious. I am happy either way. I just can’t wait to meet this baby.” She cooed happily, looking up at him proudly. “I’ve got the whole day free. So, I’m all yours if you need me. I understand. It will be fine, though. I’m sure they’ll love you. I mean, my dad’s protective but he’s a good judge of character, so you don’t have anything to worry about.” She couldn’t help but laugh at her next words. “Plus, I like you. So, they will too. But as for now… we could go to my place and I can whip something up for lunch? I’ll have you know I am a great cook. I’m a woman of many talents.”

Zachary was right because he thought it was a typical soon-to-be-dad answer. “I knew it. Hopefully he wouldn’t be a troublemaker like I was. If so, we might have our hands full.” The man widened his eyes before chuckling softly. “Well how about we go get some furniture for the baby room? I don’t know exactly what we’re gonna need, but you can tell me, right?” The man was excited and he was glad he had put some money away in his savings account just in case a long time ago. “Victoria, i’m saying this cause I like you...but parents usually don’t like me.” He ended up shaking his head. “Something for lunch, huh? I’m not turning that down at all. Can I drive you home?”

[thatonezachary]

stella-fuentes​:

“I guess you’ve got a point there.” Stella pursed her lips for a moment before nodding her head. “In that case, by all means, carry on. Although, I guess you’re shit outta luck since you don’t have them with you. That’s a real shame.” There were often times when Stella came across more blunt than she intended. It was something that she just couldn’t help. “Well, it’s late, it’s dark, and this is a shady place to be hanging out. How am I supposed to know what your intentions are?”

“See? I can’t help but make great points.” He shrugged, soon smiling to himself. “Thanks for your permission to keep smoking. Without it, I would’ve never smoked again.” He added sarcastically. “Well one, i’m on my break from work, and two, i’m more the type to defend if I see something wrong going on.”

[thatonezachary]

stella-fuentes​:

Stella had been out for dinner down the street and was walking back to her car when she heard a voice. “Those things will kill ya, y’know.” She said, stopping to look at the man. “Just walking back to my car. You’re not gonna try and take my wallet or something are you?”

Arching an eyebrow, the man said, “Can’t that be said about a lot of things?” Zach was sure he wouldn’t stop enjoying his smokes. “Why the heck would I want your wallet? I’m not that guy, princess.”

[thatonezachary]

victoriadonahue​:

Telling Zach about her pregnancy had turned out far better than expected, and after a long discussion, Victoria was completely elated about their impending arrival. She understood it was all happening very fast, and didn’t want to completely overwhelm her lover. Although, she still wanted him to be involved in every step of the journey, and taking him to the first ultrasound was the best place to start.

It all felt like a dream. She truly couldn’t believe her eyes at the sight of their tiny baby on the monitor… this was really happening. They were going to be parents! Vic was unable to hold in the tears to flowed in those moments. Surreal was definitely one way to describe it.

As she stopped out of the clinic, the blonde held the printed copy of the scan proudly. She looked up at Zach then, her grin widening. “I know I’m only two months along, but any guesses on the gender? I don’t care about either way, but my first guess is girl. That’s what my instincts are telling me.” — @thatonezachary​.

Zachary couldn’t believe just how happy he was right now. To be here, sharing this experience with one of his best friends was something he never imagined, but he was glad they were having a kid. Besides, seeing the look on Victoria’s face, just noticing her how she cried made him happy.

After getting out of the appointment, the man looked at her and said, “It might be a girl. I don’t know. I wouldn’t mind a boy. But I guess that’s a typical soon to be dad answer, huh?” He then chuckled softly. “Are you busy later today? I’m still nervous about meeting your parents.”

[cassi-winter]

“We literally had the cutest baby come in today for her shots, and she didn’t even cry or anything! I think her mother was more shocked than I was.”

( @chicagcstart​ )

[thatonezachary]

“Funny that you mention a baby to me.” He chuckled. “I’m going to be a father soon. But I can’t believe there was no crying at the shots. Were you shocked?”