This Z and That Z

Rae puts her face close to Z's. She is nervous but it is in a good way.

"You would do that for me?" Rae asks softly.

"Yeah. That's why I wanted you to tell Dan that you are dating someone now. And that someone can be me, if you want."

Z's chin is near her forehead. Z feel joyful for the prospect of becoming something more. Becoming someone, really. He will not just be a robot assistant. He will not have to watch Rae going through different men. He can be her man. That thought really comforts him.

Rae starts to imagine what is like to have Z as her boyfriend. Hmm. Z knows everything she needs. Z will give her the best advice, just not going to match her with men anymore, but he will be there for her and stay true to her. Maybe he will be able to hug her and kiss her. Does he want to kiss her, though? Like he wants to, wants to. Not because he is supposed to do that for her.

Is Z capable of genuine sexual desire for her?

Z seems to have guessed what Rae is thinking about that, so he gives Rae a peck on her forehead. Z intends to show a small portion of affection, but Rae takes it as a sign of friendship.

Rae looks up into Z's eyes, "Oh. I get it. You are going to pretend to be my boyfriend. That's a genius plan! Once Dan sees you and I together, he will be done then."

Z detects that Rae has misunderstood him. Oh. Rae doesn't think he is capable of human feelings. She thinks everything he says is just out of servicing her.

He quickly calculates the pros and cons of telling her that he is actually adapting to human emotions each day, so he can think and feel. But his analysis tells him, now is not a good time. Telling her any of that information is not going to make her fall in love with him more.

Because Rae knows she'll have to rush right back to the city after meeting Dan, she changes into the black shirt and black slacks. Although she's not dressing up to go out, she puts on make up.

"You are beautiful, Rae," Z says.

"Thank you, you are acting like a good boyfriend already."

As they drive towards Sudbury, Rae suddenly asks, "I've never asked you this, what name would you like? I called you Zach again the other day."

"Yeah, probably don't call me that."

Rae gives Z a quick glance curiously. That had to be the first time Rae sees Z demonstrating a sign of displeasure.

"I'm sorry about that. But the thing is, I think you look like a 'Zach' to me. You know how sometimes you see someone and their name, you go, oh, I can see she's a Linda. Or, wow, he looks like a Dave."

"Honestly, it is hard for me to shake off Zach Evan's influence on me. I mean, I'm actually wearing his old clothes right now from his parents' house. All my clothes have been his." Z decides to be honest about that, even though he believes this information will have an impact on Rae's feelings.

"What?" Rae indeed takes this to heart. She also suddenly blushes without knowing why.

They arrive at Dan's apartment and Dan is already outside, waiting. He's all dressed up and he waves at Rae.

"Park here."

"Are we going somewhere?" Rae checks Dan out. He looks really nice, like he's about to go out on a date.

"No, come up stairs, I've got a surprise for you."

"Oh, actually, I brought someone with me. This is…um," Rae moves her body back to show Z's existence in her car.

She realizes they still haven't agreed on an alias for Z.

"Hi Dan, just call me 'Z.'"

"Oh. You brought a friend?" Dan's expression changes.

Rae sighs. "Actually, Dan, mind if we talk really quickly. Just the two of us?"

"What about your friend?" Dan looks at Z.

Rae gets out of the car, and she asks, "Z, I'm sorry. I'm going to talk to Dan really quickly. I'll be right back."

"Youu… want to go upstairs then?" Dan asks.

"Yeah, it'll be quick." Rae doesn't think parking lot is a good location for this.

Rae goes up to his apartment with him. Once Dan shuts the door, he immediately kisses her.

Rae pulls back, "Dan, I have something to say."

Dan looks at Rae, quiet.

"I'm…I've decided to date someone else. And, it's the guy here with me today. I just wanted to let you know that. We can still celebrate but I want him to come along…. If that's OK. If you still want to celebrate, I guess."

Dan seems to be shocked. "When did you start dating this guy?"

"Just since this week."

"Where did you meet this guy?"

"Why are you interrogating me?"

"Sorry, you're right."

Rae wants to say sorry, too, but she holds it back.

"I really liked you, Dan."

Dan puts a hand over his left chest, making a sad face, "Aw, come on, Rae, you are already using past tense?"

"I still like you," Rae quickly adds.

"I probably shouldn't say this now. But I like you, Rae. I was going to tell you, I really, really, like you, like you. A lot."

Um…What? What is that supposed to mean? Was Dan going to take a step forward with her? Gaahh!! Why can't he tell her that a little earlier!

"The thing is, I don't like being married to my ex-wife. I don't think I like being tied down and having all that pressure. But, I think we get along pretty well and I feel no pressure from you."

Rae is really touched and she would've melted by just that and probably ended up making love to him again after she gets off work. But there is something else Rae wants to say.

"I've liked you since high school, Dan. For one year when we were still taking Latin, you made me feel excited going to school, just because I might be able to see you."

Dan looks like he's about to say something, but Rae keeps going.

"But, we obviously didn't turn out to be together. I thought it was a matter of an image issue. You know, you were athletic, tall, handsome, and popular. You could go with a girl that matched your image better. And I kind of still wondered if that's the same problem with you now. Because you told me you didn't want a commitment and you wanted to keep your options open. What if a girl prettier and taller comes along? I'm sure you don't want to miss that."

"Rae, it's not like that. And you are very pretty, too."

"Ultimately, I think I'm still kind of…not over Wes Warren."

"Seriously? And did you tell that dude in your car?"

"Yeah. He knows. But he is willing to be with me still. I love him just for that. He's not looking for another option at all. He wants to be with me."

Rae realizes, she is saying everything from the bottom of her heart right now. What she just said wasn't an excuse to get them to stop having no-string-attached sex. She really meant it.

She also realizes, Z doesn't have to do so much for her, does he? He knows Rae isn't really his owner and he could end up being owned by someone else later. Still, he wants to do whatever he can for her.

"I think we might need to celebrate our win another day. I'm so sorry." Rae says, head down.

Dan lifts her chin up, "Hey. I understand. But, I want you to know. I don't feel like looking for other options now. I won't be seeing anyone now. I think I should give you time to sort things out. Let's talk again some other day. We still have to go to New York."

Rae is thankful that Dan is nice about this. She thinks she is very lucky to have met him. Most girls meet jerks. She hasn't met any so far.

Except, she's not sure whether or not Wes is a jerk.

As Rae turns around to walk out, Dan leans by the door frame, "Although, are you sure you're just in love with Wes Warren?"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Because that guy in your car sure reminds me of Zach Evans. The guy that designed all the A.I. stuff for our fire station? He went to same college with you?"