Sigma AU Short Story: Two's a Date, but Three's a Party/Misery Loves Company

Content warning: sexual intercourse

A week after the thrilling underground race, Etrius found himself thinking about Zola more often than he cared to admit. Her fiery spirit, her mysterious aura, and their unexpected encounter on the hood of his car left him with more questions than answers. He finally decided to reach out and ask her out on a date.

Etrius stood at the entrance of a trendy café in Sigma City, his usual calm demeanor hiding the slight nervousness he felt. The café was known for its eclectic decor and the cozy, private corners it offered—a perfect place for a first date. He saw Zola approaching, her disguise as a petite human flawless. She wore a simple yet elegant dress that accentuated her human form, her green eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Hey, Zola," Etrius greeted her with a warm smile. "You look amazing."

Zola smiled back, a playful glint in her eye. "Thanks, Etrius. You clean up pretty well yourself."

They entered the café, finding a quiet corner where they could talk without being disturbed. As they settled into their seats, a waiter brought them menus.

"So," Etrius began, breaking the silence. "Tell me more about yourself. How did you end up in Sigma City?"

Zola took a sip of her drink, her eyes distant for a moment. "It's a long story, but to keep it short, I arrived here through a portal that opened unexpectedly in my world. It was... chaotic. And when I arrived, I was in a completely different form than I'm used to."

Etrius nodded, genuinely interested. "That must have been quite the shock."

"It was," Zola admitted. "But I've adapted. Sigma City is... interesting, to say the least. What about you? What's your story?"

Etrius leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "I was part of the US military before everything went to hell. Captured by the Soviets, turned into... this." He gestured to his cybernetic arms. "I've been through a lot, seen a lot. But I survived. And now, I use what I know to make a living here."

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, moving from their pasts to lighter topics. They shared stories, laughed, and found themselves growing more comfortable with each other. Etrius noticed Zola's subtle movements—her tail twitching under her disguise, her ears perking up slightly when she was amused. He found her fascinating.

As the evening went on, the atmosphere grew more intimate. Etrius reached out, taking Zola's hand in his. "I really enjoyed tonight, Zola. You're... different from anyone I've ever met."

Zola smiled softly, her thumb brushing over his hand. "I feel the same way, Etrius. There's something about you that... I can't quite explain."

Their moment was interrupted by the sudden arrival of Zoey Lavender. She stormed into the café, her cybernetic presence impossible to ignore. Her eyes locked onto Etrius, a mixture of anger and annoyance in her gaze.

"Etrius! What the hell are you doing here?" Zoey demanded. "And with another woman?"
Etrius sighed, releasing Zola's hand. "Zoey, this isn't the time or place. We're just having a date. How did you even know I was here?"

Zoey's eyes narrowed, her tail flicking in irritation. "I saw your fucking car outside, asshole. And a date? With a human? You haven't dated someone since Julia died."

"Woah, woah. First of all, do not go bringing up people from my past like that. Secondly, literally everyone is staring at you. Calm down and sit down, or leave. I want to have a nice evening."

Zoey looked embarrassed for a half second before relinquishing and sitting down with an angry thump.

Zola, ever curious, couldn't help but ask, "I couldn't help but notice...you have a dragon tail, curled horns, and a serpentine tongue. Are you a dragon?"

Zoey's annoyance deepened, her ears flattening slightly. "It's none of your business."

But Zola persisted, her curiosity getting the better of her. She stared directly at Zoey for a moment and let her disguise falter for a split second. "Come on, Zoey. We're all... unique here. Share your story."

Zoey's was frustrated, but the split second seeing Zola's true dragon form immediately made her drop her guard. She reluctantly began to explain.

"Fine. My tail and tongue are a result of some experimental treatments I went through. It wasn't by choice, but I've learned to live with it. My horns are from drug use."

Etrius watched the exchange with silent amusement, noting the subtle movements of Zoey's tail and the flicker of her tongue. Despite her annoyance, there was a spark of something else in her eyes when she looked at Zola. Jealousy?

Zola and Zoey locked eyes, a strange, silent moment of nonverbal communication passing between them. Zola's curiosity wasn't just about Zoey's physical changes—it was about the person beneath them. Zoey, despite her initial irritation, felt a grudging respect for Zola's persistence.

The tension between them shifted, becoming something else entirely. Etrius could see the attraction growing. Zoey's frustration wasn't jealousy or anger at Etrius - it was entirely sexual towards Zola. He couldn't help but smirk. "You two need a room?" he teased lightly.

Zoey shot him a glare, but there was no real anger in it. "Shut up, Etrius."

Zola laughed softly and grinned, her eyes still locked with Zoey's. "Maybe we do."

Despite the initial tension, the three of them found a strange harmony. Zoey's jealousy melted away, replaced by a genuine interest in Zola. And Zola, ever curious and bold, found herself drawn to Zoey in ways she hadn't anticipated. Zoey was an extremely interesting and complex person, and the path to her heart was a huge maze filled with locked doors and traps. But Zola always enjoyed a challenge.

The evening air was cool as they stepped out of the café, the streets of Sigma City alive with activity. Neon lights cast vibrant colors across their faces, adding an electric buzz to the atmosphere. Zola walked between Etrius and Zoey, her mind racing with the possibilities of the night ahead.

"So," Zola began, glancing between the two, "what now? Seems like our night is just getting started."

Etrius chuckled, slipping his hands into his pockets. "I suppose we could head back to my place. It's quiet, private, and has enough space for all of us."

Zoey raised an eyebrow, her annoyance from earlier fading into a playful smirk. "Is that an invitation for more than just conversation?"

Etrius shrugged nonchalantly. "Depends on how the night goes."

Zola felt a shiver of excitement run down her spine. She turned to Zoey, her curiosity about the fox's features still burning. "I'd like to know more about you, Zoey. Not just your story, but... everything."

Zoey rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the slight smile tugging at her lips. "You're persistent, I'll give you that. I'd let you ride with me but you have your own car. We'll met at E's. Race you there?

Zola grinned and pointed to her car down the street. "Oh, trust me, I will win that race. I win all the rest."

Zoey's face was flush with infatuation. The raw confidence of Zola sent blood rushing to her crotch, and Etrius's subtle smugness always sent waves of horniness through her. The combination of the two was almost too much for her.

They all split ways, agreeing to met at Etrius's apartment. Each engine roared to life, but Zoey was the first off the line and drove off into the night with a thunderous roar, her V10 motorcycle no more than an engine on wheels.

They made their way to Etrius's apartment, the drive on the phone filled with light conversation and the occasional teasing remark. Upon arriving, Etrius unlocked the door and led them inside. His apartment was spacious, decorated with a mix of modern and vintage items that gave it a unique charm. 

Martial weapons of every style lined the walls, body armor on display stands was in every corner, and gun racks dominated the space where one would assume a bookcase or two would be. A few glass cases were filled with interesting objects, some had books, others had vintage technology, and one centerpiece had what appeared to be the charred remains of a cybernetic arm inside.

"Welcome to the home of a merc. Make yourselves comfortable," Etrius said, gesturing towards the living room.

Zola plopped on the couch, her eyes taking in the details of the room. She had never seen so many weapons in one place. She put aside her disgust for guns aside and admired the extensive collection of both firearms and swords. Zoey, on the other hand, wandered around, her tail swishing idly as she examined Etrius's collection of weapons and artifacts.

"So, Etrius," Zola began, her tone playful, "you mentioned you've been through a lot. Any particular stories you want to share?"

Etrius sat down beside her, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "There are many, but one that you probably want to hear about is when I was captured by the Soviets. They experimented on me, turned me into this." He lifted his cybernetic arms. "It was hell, but it made me who I am today."

Zola reached out, gently touching his arm. "You're strong, Etrius. Stronger than most."

"Yeah," he replied. "Zoey says that a lot."

Zoey, having found a comfortable chair, chimed in. "He's right. Etrius has been through more than most people can imagine."

Etrius smiled softly, a rare look of vulnerability in his eyes. "Thank you, both of you."

The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of Etrius's past hanging in the air. But the tension broke when Zola turned to Zoey, her curiosity flaring up again. "Zoey, do you mind if I... examine your tail? And your horns?"

Zoey sighed, her irritation mingling with amusement. "You really can't help yourself, can you?"

Zola shook her head, a mischievous grin on her face. "Nope."

With a reluctant nod, Zoey moved closer, allowing Zola to inspect her tail and curled horns. Zola's fingers traced the contours, marveling at the texture and the way they felt. Zoey's tail twitched under her touch, her ears flattening slightly in an automatic response.

"Fascinating," Zola murmured, her eyes wide with wonder. "How do they feel? Do they hurt?"

Zoey shook her head. "Not really. I've gotten used to them. The tongue was the hardest to adjust to."

Zola leaned in, her curiosity undiminished. "May I see?"

Zoey hesitated for a moment before sticking out her serpentine tongue. Zola watched in awe, her own tail swishing behind her, but hidden behind her illusory human disguise. "Amazing. You're truly unique, Zoey."

Zoey's annoyance seemed to dissipate completely, replaced by respect and a hint of interest. "Thanks, I guess."

Etrius watched the interaction with silent amusement, noting the growing chemistry between the two. Zola's fascination was genuine, and Zoey, despite her initial resistance, seemed to appreciate the attention.

"Looks like you two are getting along," Etrius remarked, a knowing smile on his face.

Zoey shot him a mock glare. "Don't get too comfortable, Etrius."

Zola laughed, the sound light and musical. "I think we should all get comfortable. Very comfortable." She completely dropped her illusory disguise, putting her full, naked draconic form on display for everyone. Etrius was finally able to see Zola in proper lighting, and Zoey's jaw dropped in awe.

"So you really are a dragon...What the actual fuck?" Zoey remarked, her voice filled with awe and admiration. "You're not transhuman? At all?"

"No," Zola replied. "I don't know if you heard the conversation Etrius and I had before you rudely barged in, but..." Her tone saddened a little before picking back up. "I'm from a different universe. I don't know why or how, and I struggle with it mentally, but I'm here, now, making the best of it."

"Seems like we've all been through some shit," Etrius said in a factual tone. "Zo, mind telling Zola a bit about yourself?"

Zoey sighed, the weight of her past a constant reminder in the back of her mind. "I suppose. You'll find out eventually anyway." Her voice got somber as Zola sat back down on the couch.

"I was born before World War Three started. I was a secret experiment like Etrius. But unlike him, I didn't have such a painless childhood or creation. You can probably tell from my accent that I'm German. It certainly wasn't a choice I had."

"I'm sorry, Zoey," Zola said. "You don't have to talk about anything you don't want to."

"Yeah, sorry. Sorry for being such a monumental fuckup. My trauma rules me...Well, you saw that firsthand. Sorry for barging in on your date."

"Hey hey, it's all fine, we're all here now together. Let's lighten the mood, eh?" Etrius said, trying to bring the pace of the evening back to life.

As the night progressed, the three of them found themselves drawn closer together, the initial tension giving way to a mutual attraction. Zola and Zoey's interest in each other grew, and Etrius couldn't help but be intrigued by the dynamic unfolding before him.

Finally, it was Zola who broke the unspoken tension. "Why don't we take this to the bedroom? I'm sure we can find a way to... continue getting to know each other."

Zoey's tail flicked with anticipation, and Etrius stood, leading the way. The three of them stood up and walked to Etrius's bedroom, the air thick with anticipation and unspoken desire. 

As they entered, Etrius turned to face them, his voice soft but firm. "No matter what happens tonight, let's remember we're all here because we want to be."

Zola and Zoey nodded in agreement, their eyes locked on each other. The realization of their mutual attraction was tangible, and Etrius couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement at what was to come.

Etrius took the lead, his movements slow and deliberate, ensuring that both Zola and Zoey felt cherished. He kissed Zola first, their lips meeting in a tender yet passionate embrace, just like the first night they met. His hands roamed her body gently, tracing the contours of her form, eliciting soft sighs from her. Zola's tail flicked in response, wrapping around his leg as she deepened the kiss, her curiosity and desire melding into a harmonious blend of emotions.

Zoey watched them with a small smile, her eyes filled with a mix of amusement and longing. She felt a sense of wonder at how naturally they all fit together, each of them bringing something unique to the dynamic. When Etrius broke the kiss with Zola and turned his attention to Zoey, she met him halfway, her lips capturing his with a hunger that spoke of their intimate friendship.

As their kiss grew more intense, Zola shifted her attention to Zoey. She had always been fascinated by Zoey's dragon features, and now, in this intimate setting, she felt a pull to explore them further. Zola's fingers traced the scales on Zoey's tail, marveling at the texture. Zoey shivered at the touch, her tail twitching in response. "Careful, Zola," she murmured, her voice low and teasing. "That tail has a mind of its own."

Zola giggled, her curiosity only increasing. She moved closer, her lips finding the spot where Zoey's tail met her body. She placed gentle kisses along the scales, feeling the warmth beneath them. Zoey's breath hitched, her eyes fluttering shut as she surrendered to the sensations. "You're going to drive me crazy," she whispered, her voice a mix of pleasure and exasperation.

Etrius watched them with a soft smile, his heart swelling with affection. He reached out, his hand resting on Zola's back, guiding her closer to both of them. "Let's make sure we all enjoy this," he said, his voice filled with warmth and desire.

Zola's eyes sparkled as she looked up at Etrius, then back at Zoey. "I'm definitely enjoying this," she said. She kissed Zoey's tail one last time before moving back to Etrius. Her hands found their way to his chest, exploring the hard muscles beneath his shirt. Etrius responded by pulling her into another kiss, his lips moving against hers with a mix of tenderness and hunger.

Zoey, not wanting to be left out, moved closer, her body pressing against Etrius from behind. She kissed the back of his neck, her hands sliding around to join Zola's in exploring his chest. Etrius let out a soft groan, the sensation of both women touching him sending shivers down his spine.

The three of them moved together in a seamless dance of desire and affection. Clothes were shed slowly, each piece removed with care and reverence. The room was filled with soft moans and whispered words of encouragement, creating an atmosphere of intimacy that went beyond physical pleasure.

Etrius guided Zola to the bed, laying her down gently. He kissed his way down her body, taking his time to savor every inch of her skin. Zola's hands tangled in his hair, her eyes closed as she lost herself in the sensations. When Etrius reached her hips, he glanced up at her, his eyes filled with a mix of love and desire. "You're beautiful, Zola," he whispered, his voice husky.

Zola blushed, her tail curling around his leg. "So are you, Etrius," she replied, her voice soft. She looked over at Zoey, who was watching them with a smile. "And you, Zoey. You're amazing. There are other parts of you I really want to explore."

Zoey's cheeks flushed slightly, but she didn't look away. "Thank you, Zola," she said, her voice sincere. She moved to join them on the bed, her body pressing against Zola's side.

Etrius kissed Zola's hip one last time before moving to Zoey. He kissed her deeply, their tongues dancing together in a slow, sensual rhythm, her tongue delving deep into Etrius’s throat, the same way Zola had done a week ago. Zoey responded eagerly, her hands roaming his back, feeling the play of muscles beneath his skin.

Zola watched them, her heart swelling with affection and desire. She reached out, her fingers tracing the fur on Zoey's hips, marveling at the texture. Zoey shivered at the touch, her tail twitching in response. "You have such beautiful fur," Zola murmured, her voice filled with awe.

Zoey smiled against Etrius's lips. She broke the kiss with Etrius and turned to Zola, capturing her lips in a gentle kiss. Zola responded eagerly, her hands sliding up Zoey's back, feeling the warmth of her skin.

The three of them continued to explore each other, their movements slow and deliberate. They took their time, savoring every touch, every kiss, every sigh of pleasure. The room was filled with the sound of their breathing, the rustle of sheets, and the soft murmur of voices as they whispered words of encouragement and affection.

Etrius moved back to Zola, his hands gentle as he spread her legs, his eyes filled with love and desire. He kissed her inner thigh, his lips trailing a path of fire up her skin. Zola's breath hitched, her hands gripping the sheets as she surrendered to the sensations. Etrius’s mouth found its way between Zola’s thighs, his rough catlike tongue rubbing directly against her labia and clitoris. Zola gasped at the sudden rush of pleasure. This was her first time receiving oral, and she already knew she was in love with it.

Zoey watched them, her eyes dark with desire. She moved closer, her hand resting on Etrius's shoulder, her touch gentle and encouraging. "She's all yours, Etrius," she murmured, her voice husky.

Etrius nodded, his eyes never leaving Zola's. He kissed her inner thigh one last time before fully pushing his tongue inside her, tasting her. Zola gasped, her back arching as pleasure shot through her body. Etrius took his time, his movements slow and deliberate, savoring every moment, every taste.

Zoey watched them, her hand gently stroking Zola's hair, her touch filled with affection. "You're doing so well, Zola," she murmured, her voice soft. "Just let go. Let us take care of you."

Zola nodded, her eyes closed, her body trembling with pleasure. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice breathless. "Thank you both."

Etrius continued his ministrations, his tongue exploring every inch of Zola's pussy. He felt her body tense, her breathing quicken, and he knew she was getting close. He glanced up at Zoey, who met his gaze with a nod.

Zoey leaned down, her lips capturing Zola's in a deep, passionate kiss. Zola moaned into the kiss, her body arching as she surrendered to the pleasure. Etrius moved his tongue faster, his fingers joining in, pushing her over the edge.

Zola cried out into Zoey’s mouth, her body trembling as she reached her peak. Etrius and Zoey held her, their touches gentle and reassuring as she came down from the high.

As Zola's breathing steadied, Etrius moved up to kiss her, his lips gentle against hers. Zola smiled, her eyes filled with love. She looked over at Zoey, who was watching them with a tender smile. Zoey leaned in, kissing Zola gently. 

With a sudden movement, Zoey shoved Etrius onto the bed. Etrius’s cock was already hard and leaking black precum. Etrius let himself fall, and watched as Zoey lowered herself onto him, her left pussy swallowing his cock with an excessive wetness. 

Etrius let out a low growl as his cock twitched inside Zoey, and then steadied himself.

“Hey, come join us,” he said to Zola. “My face is free.”

Zola cautiously maneuvered on top of Etrius, lowering herself onto his muzzle. Zoey began to ride Etrius harder, wet squelching sounds sputtering every time she bounced. Zola gasped as Etrius grabbed her thighs and pulled her hard onto his face, his warm, wet muzzle caressing her pussy into his open mouth as he licked and sucked her clitoris, occasionally pushing his huge pantherine tongue into her pussy. The rough, sandpapery texture was unlike anything she had felt while masturbating.

Zoey pulled herself off of Etrius and put him into her right pussy, moaning loudly as she did so, pressing her lips hard against his growing knot. Etrius could now barely focus on Zola, but the three had found a rhythm and guided one another into a shared growing pleasure.

Suddenly, Zoey let out a loud moan at the same time as Zola, as Zoey put her full weight on Etrius, his knot pushing itself into her with a satisfying pop. Zola squirted as she achieved orgasm, her fluids spraying all over Etrius’s chest, her pussy convulsing and her legs quivering with her massive waves of pleasure.

Etrius was quiet, but muffled moans of satisfaction came from between Zola’s thighs and Zoey clutched the right side of her abdomen as she felt Etrius’s thick black cum fill her right uterus. She and Zola both pulled themselves off of Etrius and flopped over on either side of him, all three gasping heavily at the shared orgasm.

The evening ended with the three of them tangled together, their bodies and souls intertwined in a way that felt both natural and profound. 

The morning light filtered through the blinds of Etrius's apartment, casting a soft glow over the room. Etrius, Zola, and Zoey were still tangled together, the remnants of their night together leaving a comfortable warmth in the air. As they began to stir, the reality of their situation started to settle in.

Zola stretched, her wings fluttering slightly before she tucked them back. "Good morning," she murmured, her voice soft and content.

Etrius smiled, his eyes meeting hers. "Morning, Zola. Zoey."

Zoey, lying on the edge of the bed, blinked sleepily. "Morning," she muttered, her tone neutral. She enjoyed their night together, but the reality of Etrius and Zola's growing connection was beginning to weigh on her.

As they got dressed and moved to the kitchen for breakfast, the atmosphere remained light and casual. Etrius and Zola chatted about their cars, the excitement in their voices evident as they discussed the finer details of their vehicles.

Zoey sat at the table, sipping her coffee. Her tail flicked back and forth, a sign of her growing annoyance and discomfort. She tried to tune out their conversation, but the more they talked, the more she felt like an outsider.

Etrius noticed her silence and shot her a concerned look. "Zoey, you okay?"

Zoey forced a smile. "Yeah, just tired."

Zola leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "You should come down to the parking garage with us, Zoey. I'd love to show you the Kimetto Rocket up close."

Zoey shook her head, her smile fading. "No, thanks. I'm not really in the mood."

Etrius and Zola exchanged a glance but didn't push further. After finishing their breakfast, they headed to the parking garage, leaving Zoey alone in the apartment.

Once they were gone, Zoey let out a sigh of relief. She stood up, heading to the bathroom for a long, hot shower. The water cascaded over her, but it did little to soothe her racing thoughts.

In the privacy of the shower, Zoey's emotions began to surface. She spoke to herself in German, the language a comfort as she tried to process her feelings. "Warum muss das so kompliziert sein? Warum kann ich nicht einfach glücklich sein?"

Her words echoed in the small bathroom, a mix of frustration and sorrow. "Etrius verdient es, glücklich zu sein. Aber warum muss es mit jemand anderem sein?"

She stayed under the water for a long time, trying to get a grip on herself. Her mental state, always fragile, felt even more precarious now. She feared losing Etrius as a friend because of her need to stay single, and the thought of him being happy with someone else was almost too much to bear.

When she finally stepped out of the shower, she felt a little more composed, but the anxiety still gnawed at her. She wrapped herself in a towel and moved to the bedroom to get dressed. She grabbed her things and left the apartment, heading for her motorcycle. The ride back to her humble plot of land on the outskirts of the city was a blur, her mind racing with conflicting emotions.On

ce she arrived at her armored home-on-wheels, she immediately started searching for the drugs she had stashed away for anxiety. Panic set in when she couldn't find them, and she settled for a painkiller and muscle relaxer instead. Her hands shook as she tried to take the pills, her prosthetic arms barely cooperating with the mess of signals in her brain.

When she accidentally dropped one of the pills, it felt like the last straw. She flopped onto her bed, the tears finally breaking free. The pain of her inner turmoil, the fear of losing Etrius, and the overwhelming sense of isolation washed over her in waves.

Zoey cried herself to sleep, the emotional exhaustion finally taking its toll. In the quiet of her APC, she was alone with her thoughts, her heart heavy with a mixture of longing and despair.

Etrius and Zola were still chatting animatedly about their cars as they rode the elevator back up to Etrius's apartment. The shared interest had only deepened their bond, and Etrius found himself genuinely enjoying Zola's company more and more. He appreciated her adventurous spirit and the way she brought a new energy into his life.

As they entered the apartment, Etrius immediately noticed the quiet. "Zo?" he called out, but there was no response.

Zola's keen eyes picked up on the slightly ajar bathroom door and the dampness in the air. "She must have taken a shower," she said softly.

Etrius nodded, a worried look crossing his face. "I hope she's okay."

They spent the rest of the morning chatting and relaxing, but Etrius's thoughts kept drifting back to Zoey. He knew her well enough to recognize when something was seriously bothering her, and he hated seeing her in pain.

When Zoey didn't return, Etrius finally voiced his concern to Zola. "I'm worried about her. She seemed really off this morning."

Zola nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Maybe she just needs some space."

Etrius sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I feel like I did something wrong."

Zola placed a hand on his arm, her touch gentle. "She knows you care. Sometimes, that's all you can do."

Meanwhile, Zoey was still in her APC, her sleep fitful and restless. Her dreams were haunted by memories of her past. When she finally woke, it was with a start, her heart racing.

She lay there for a moment, trying to calm her breathing. She felt a crushing sense of loneliness and despair, the weight of her decisions pressing down on her.

Zoey sat up slowly, her body aching from the tension. She looked around her APC, the familiar and cramped surroundings offering little comfort. She needed to pull herself together, to find a way to deal with her feelings without pushing Etrius and Zola away.

With a deep breath, she stood up and began to move around her small living space, trying to find some sense of normalcy. She knew she needed to talk to Etrius, to explain her feelings and try to find a way forward. But the thought of that conversation filled her with even more anxiety and the familiar sense of dread.

Back in the city, Etrius and Zola continued their day, unaware of Zoey's struggles. They explored more of Sigma City, their bond growing stronger with each passing hour. Etrius found himself opening up to Zola in ways he hadn't with anyone else, and Zola reveled in the connection they were building.

As the day turned to evening, Etrius couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong with Zoey. "I need to check on her," he told Zola. "I can't just leave her like this."

Zola nodded in understanding. "Go. She needs you."

As the sky began to darken, Etrius made his way to Zoey's plot of land, his heart heavy with worry. When he arrived, it was dark, and he found her sitting outside her APC at a campfire, her expression distant and troubled. The flames glistened in the tears that fell from her face.

"Zo," he said softly, approaching her, the dirt crunching beneath his boots.

Zoey looked up, her eyes red from crying. "Etrius...I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I don't want to make you worry...but..." She began to bawl again, a very odd sound, sorrowful and pained like a fox with its paws caught in a trap.

Etrius knelt beside her, his hand reaching out to take hers, a small spark igniting as their prosthetics touched. "Talk to me. What's going on?"

Zoey took a deep breath, trying to find the words. "I'm scared, Etrius. Scared of losing you, scared of being alone." she said between heaving sobs. "I don't know how to deal with these...feelings."

Etrius squeezed her hand gently, even though he knew she couldn't feel it. "I'm here for you, no matter what. Even if I started dating someone else, that doesn't change how much I care about you."

Zoey nodded, the tears welling up again. "I just... I don't want to...lose you. But I can't be what you need. I'm a fucking mess, a completely broken and shattered person."

Etrius wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "You don't have to be anything but yourself, Zo. We'll figure this out together."

Zoey clung to him, her heart aching with a mixture of fear and relief. For the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, things could be okay.

As they sat there, the city lights twinkling in the distance, Zoey felt a glimmer of hope. She knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy.

As Etrius held her, he knew that no matter what happened, he would always be there for Zoey. They had been through too much together to let anything come between them now.

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