Cybernetic Heartstrings

C.H. ONE: US

* ALARM BEEPS *

The loud noise of the alarm wakes up Willow, pulling her from the warmth of sleep. She stirs slightly, feeling Zachary's arms tighten around her waist as he groans softly in protest.

"Ten more minutes, please?" Zachary mumbles, his voice groggy, as he buries his face into the crook of her neck. His breath is warm against her skin, sending a familiar shiver down her spine. Willow smiles, shifting just enough to face him. His eyes remain closed, his hair adorably tousled, and the peaceful look on his face melts her heart.

“We really should get up,” she whispers, her words gentle, though she makes no real effort to pull away. Instead, she loops her arms around his neck, surrendering to the moment. His embrace feels like home, and she can't help but indulge in the warmth of it a little longer.

Zachary hums, acknowledging her but doing nothing to move. Instead, he presses a lazy kiss to her forehead, his hand sliding down her back, drawing her even closer. "Just a little longer," he murmurs, his voice thick with sleep. "I just want to stay like this for a while," his voice soft as he tightens his embrace around Willow. "You smell so good, and your warmth... it's so comforting. I don’t want to let go."

Willow chuckled softly. “Don’t you smell me every day?”

“Yeah, but I can never get enough.”

She gazes at him, admiring the man lying beside her. Even after a year of marriage, the thought of being with him still feels surreal. Every day is a blessing, and she marvels at how lucky she is to have married the man of her dreams.

"I love you," Zachary whispers, his voice unusually intense. He pulls her even tighter against him, his hold more possessive. “So, so, so very much, Willow. Please… don’t ever leave me.”

His words, though sweet, stir something strange inside her. She pulls back slightly, just enough to look into his face, but his eyes remain closed, his expression peaceful as if the words had slipped out unconsciously. Yet, there’s a lingering tension in his grip that she can't ignore.

Willow feels a flutter of concern. Why would he think she’d ever leave him? "Zach?" she asks softly, searching his face for an answer his closed eyes can’t reveal. His arms remain tightly wrapped around her, and the knot of uncertainty in her chest tightens. “Is there something wrong?” she presses, her voice tender but curious.

Zachary stirs slightly, opening his eyes just enough to meet hers. “No, of course not,” he says, his voice soft yet earnest. “Is it so bad to be afraid of losing you?”

Willow’s brows furrow in gentle confusion. “No, but… why would I leave you? I love you, Zach. We're already married, bound for life. Through better or worse, remember?”

He gazes at her for a moment longer before a small, relieved smile crosses his lips. “Yeah, I remember... everything.” With that, he leans in and plants a light kiss on her lips, chuckling softly.

The simple gesture dissolves the tension Willow had been feeling. Whatever worry had settled in her heart melts away as she returns his smile, reassured by his warmth, by the familiar tenderness in his touch.

“And… I also remember our first honeymoon,” Zachary says with a mischievous grin, his voice low and teasing.

Willow’s eyes widen as she feels his hand begin to roam, a playful glint sparkling in his still-drowsy eyes. She swats his chest gently, laughing. “No… Zach, hey, not now love” she protests, though her giggle betrays her. “You’re going to be late!”

Zachary leans in closer, brushing his lips against her ear. “Late? I think I can risk being a little late,” he murmurs, his tone filled with playful intent.

Willow bites her lip, trying to keep a straight face. “Oh, really?” she teases, pushing him back slightly, but Zachary only tightens his hold on her, pulling her back into his chest.

“Really,” he says with a smirk, his fingers lightly trailing down her side, making her squirm. “Besides, who could leave when their wife is this irresistible?”

“That won’t work this time Zachary” Willow replies, wriggling out of his grasp and sitting up, her cheeks flushed as she tries to look serious. “You said that you have a big presentation today with a client”

Zachary props himself up on his elbows, a lazy grin spreading across his face. "And I have the most important presentation right now," he says, his tone playful. "With the most important, irresistible, and lovable client right here." He gestures toward her with a wink.

Willow laughs, shaking her head as she throws a pillow at him. “Nice try, mister! But no”

Zachary catches the pillow and pulls her back down beside him in one swift motion, making her yelp in surprise. “Gotcha,” he says triumphantly, nuzzling her neck as she struggles to contain her laughter.

“Hey, Zach! My gosh, you’re impossible” she exclaims, though her voice is full of affection.

“And yet, you love me,” he replies, his lips brushing lightly against her cheek.

Willow rolls her eyes but can’t stop the smile that creeps across her face. "Yes, I do. But you're still getting up, Zachary!"

He groans dramatically, finally letting her go, but not before stealing one last kiss. “Alright, alright... but just know this isn't over. I’ll continue my presentation to you later after work. Remember, it’s a special day tomorrow!”

—

Three hours later, at Panda Novel Co., where Willow works…

The air buzzed with creativity, and the scent of freshly printed pages lingered as Willow sat at her desk, which was adorned with sketches, vibrant markers, and swatches of color. Around her were piles of concept art and storyboards, alongside an array of colorful covers waiting for her artistic touch before they could be approved.

Cindy, her closest workmate, leaned against the edge of Willow’s desk, flipping through a sketchbook filled with whimsical illustrations. “He is your husband, Willow. Of all people, you know what he wants best,” she said, glancing up with a teasing smile.

Willow sighed, pushing a stray pencil behind her ear. “I know, Cindy, but I can’t help it! I’m struggling to choose the perfect gift. Tomorrow is our special day!”

“Don’t overthink it,” Cindy replied, her tone light and encouraging as she picked up a vibrant blue marker and twirled it between her fingers. “The more you ponder, the harder it will be to decide. Just keep it simple and special.”

“But I want it to be different!” Willow exclaimed, her frustration evident as she gestured toward the stacks of unfinished projects on her desk. “It feels like he already has everything he could possibly want, and I’m running out of ideas!”

Cindy leaned in closer, a playful glint in her eye as she lowered her voice. “What about something a little... naughty? You know how much he loves surprises.”

Willow’s cheeks flushed as she stifled a giggle, momentarily distracted from her worries. “Naughty? I don’t know, Cindy. That sounds a bit daring.”

“Daring can be fun!” Cindy replied, her excitement infectious. She grabbed a sketch of a romantic scene and waved it playfully.

“Think about it—maybe a set of playful lingerie or a steamy game you can enjoy together. It could really spice things up!”

Willow looked down, shyly biting her lip as she considered the suggestion. “Do you really think he’d like something like that?”

“Absolutely! Men love gifts that bring a little excitement into the mix,” Cindy said, her enthusiasm shines through. “You could even surprise him with a little getaway—just the two of you. Imagine the fun you could have! Especially… at night time, if ya know what I mean?” and with that, Cindy winks at her to convey the message.

Willow's heart raced at the thought, her cheeks still warm from the idea. “But what if he doesn’t react the way I hope?”

“Then you’ll just have to be creative!” Cindy laughed, playfully nudging Willow's shoulder. “You’re an illustrator for a reason. Use that imagination! You can adapt some of our steamy books right here.”

“Cindy, shhh! They might hear us!” Willow glanced around, her eyes wide with mock panic. “What if someone thinks I’m working on... that kind of art?”

“Let them! This is a publishing company, after all,” Cindy teased, leaning in closer with a conspiratorial grin. “What’s more artistic than capturing the essence of a passionate love story? Just think about it: ‘The Illustrator’s Seduction.’”

“Cindy, I am serious,” Willow replied, fighting back a smile. She knew her friend loved to push the envelope, but this was pushing it a little too far.

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry,” Cindy said, raising her hands in mock surrender. “But still, consider my suggestion! I’m telling you, he’d love it.”

Willow rolled her eyes, her heart racing at the thought of actually doing something that bold. “You really think so? I mean, it’s not like I can just whip up a romantic illustration on a whim.”

“Why not? You’re an artist! It’s what you do best!” Cindy insisted, her enthusiasm infectious. “Picture this: you in the kitchen, apron on, flustered while you whip up his favorite meal. And just when he thinks he’s got the night all figured out—bam! You reveal your secret gift: you’re only wearing the apron and nothing else! Now he has to unwrap the gift!”

Willow couldn’t help but burst into laughter at the outrageous image. “Hey, shhh! Lower your voice, will you?”

“I’m sorry, I can’t help it!” Cindy winked, her voice dripping with playful mischief. “Just imagine the look on his face when he sees that surprise!”

Willow shook her head, her laughter ringing through the bustling office. “Okay, that does sound fun. But what if he thinks I’m being too forward?”

“Forward? Please! You’re married! It’s time to turn up the heat,” Cindy said, leaning back in her chair with a confident smile. “Besides, if you’re not a little daring now and then, what’s the point of all those romantic books we read?”

“Well,” Willow admitted, her mind racing with possibilities. “Maybe I could add a little spice to the evening. A little creativity wouldn’t hurt.”

Cindy clapped her hands, practically bouncing in her seat. “That’s the spirit! Think of it as artistic inspiration. Channel your inner romance novelist! Just imagine how your husband will react when he sees that you’ve combined your talents with a little sultry surprise.”

“Okay, you’ve officially convinced me,” Willow said, a spark of excitement igniting within her. “Now I just have to figure out how and where to execute this master plan.”

Cindy leaned in, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Don’t worry; I’ve got a whole notebook full of tips. Want me to whisper a few to you?”

—-

Later that day at Zeller’s residence…

As Willow busied herself in the kitchen preparing dinner, she heard the front door creak open. Zachary stepped inside, his weary expression lighting up as he caught sight of her. Despite the fatigue etched on his face, he never failed to greet her with a warm smile and a tender peck on the cheek.

“Hey there, my beautiful love,” he said, his voice low and inviting. “What’s cooking?”

Willow glanced over her shoulder, her heart fluttering at the sight of him. “Just a little something for dinner, curry, your favorite” she replied coyly, stirring the pot on the stove.

Zachary took a step closer, a playful glint in his eye. “You know, aside from my favorite curry, I was hoping for something a bit more... enticing tonight,” he said, leaning against the counter with a smirk.

Willow raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “Oh really? And what do you have in mind?”

“Have you forgotten what I said before I left?”

“Oh, so you remembered, huh?”

“Of course, especially now that I’m a bit hungry…” He stepped closer, his gaze roving over her with a heat that sent shivers down her spine. “I was thinking more of you as the main course.” Willow felt her breath catch at his words. “I’d much rather savor you than whatever’s simmering in that pot,” he murmured, his voice low and enticing.

Willow felt a flush creeping up her cheeks, a mix of surprise and excitement bubbling within her. “Zachary!” she exclaimed, laughing lightly but feeling a thrill at his boldness. “You can’t just eat me up like that!”

“Why not?” he teased, his eyes glinting with mischief. “You look absolutely delectable in that dress. It’s the perfect recipe for a romantic evening.” He leaned in closer, his lips brushing against her neck as he planted a soft, lingering kiss, sending a warm shiver down her spine.

She turned to face him fully, her heart racing at his playful words. “Well, just save that for tomorrow. I’ve prepared something special.”

“Special? I wonder what that be… but…I want you right now,” he replied, his voice dropping to a husky whisper, filled with longing.

“Wait until tomorrow, my love…” She smiled coyly, her pulse quickening. “Trust me, you’ll get to taste a different kind of me. It’s worth the wait”

“That just makes me want you more. I can’t wait to savor every bit of it!” he said, stepping closer, his desire palpable in the air between them.

Willow could see the hunger in his eyes, and it sent a thrill through her. “Zachary, we can’t—”

“Why not? Just think about it. The anticipation is half the fun,” he murmured, closing the distance, his breath warm against her skin. “But you’re the only dish I crave tonight.”

She felt her resolve waver, her heart racing at his words. “You really know how to tempt me, don’t you?”

“Always,” he said with a playful grin. “It’s you I want to feast on.”

“However, I’m going to be firm with you tonight. Just wait for tomorrow, my love. I’ve prepared a surprise, AND we’ll be heading out of town!”

“Out of town? Where?”

“It won’t be a surprise if I tell you,” she teased, a mischievous glint in her eye.

“Awww, can’t I get a sneak peek of my gift for tonight?”

“Sorry, but I want you to crave me even more for tomorrow,” she replied, biting her lip to suppress a smile.

As Zachary stepped closer, his expression shifted to one of intense desire. “What if I can’t wait that long?” he murmured, his voice low and urgent. Without another word, he surged forward, capturing her lips in a fierce kiss, as if it were both his first and last.