Chapter Seven:

If it wasn’t for the distance, I would have just walked my bike home when my shift was over. To say that I was in pain would be the fucking understatement of the year.

Even with the pain, I wouldn’t change last night. Dean is… Sigh. I mean, he puts most men to shame and I love being friends with him.

Don’t get me wrong, both Matt and Brian are definitely up there with him, putting many men to shame. I’m just not ready to jump into something so… final. It should be my choice. Everyone should be able to make that choice for him/herself. Things are absolutely fucked and we’re stuck trying to make the most with the cards we’ve been dealt.

What really surprises me is that everyone was so surprised whenever people revolted. Seriously? This is supposed to be the ‘Land of the Free,’ and they think that we’re going to take our forced partnerships lying down? Ha, no, thank you, with a big side of no chance in hell. Delusional pricks.

---

I sighed when I finally got to the apartment building. I opted to walk the last block. I was ready to pour myself into the shower and lounge in my pajamas… or naked. It really doesn’t matter.

“Long day?” Bruce, one of our security guards, asked me. I nodded and flashed him a tired smile. “Can you make it upstairs okay?” He asked me, looking worried. I waved his worry away with my hand.

“I’ll be fine, Bruce. You don’t have worry about me. I got this.” I assured him. He laughed and opened the door for me. I wheeled my bike through the lobby and into the elevator. I leaned against the wall and fought to keep my eyes open, while I waited to get to my floor.

I didn’t have to wait long, until the elevator doors opened. I took my bike to my apartment and unlocked the door. I pushed the door open and pushed my bike into the living room area, before moving the kickstand. I locked the door and started pulling off my work clothes and left them on the floor as I went to the bathroom.

I poured myself into the shower and cleaned myself with such lack-luster enthusiasm, that I could put a sloth to shame. When the water started to get cold, I stepped out and dried off. I took my blow-dryer to my hair and left it down.

I didn’t pay that much attention to the clothes I was pulling on. I ended up in a short pair of cotton shorts and an old oversized sweater. I slipped my feet into a pair of flip flops and headed to Dean’s. He lives a floor above me, so it didn’t take me long to get there.

I didn’t even bother knocking. I just let myself inside. He looked over at me and grinned. I made a face at him.

“Is someone having trouble moving quickly today?” He asked, since he was clearly full of himself because he knew that he was the cause of my sluggishness. I flipped him off. “That’s what got you in this mess yesterday.” He warned me. I walked over to the couch and laid down, putting my head on his lap.

“Didn’t you promise to feed me?” I asked him, ignoring his taunts. He laughed.

“It’s always something with you; isn’t it? I’m starting to think that you don’t like me, Kare.” Dean held a hand to his heart and acted wounded.

“If there’s food, I don’t have to like you.” I teased him, smirking. He laughed and disappeared into the kitchen.

“What if I told you that I didn’t have any food?” He called from the other room.

“Then, I definitely don’t like you.” I responded, just as loud. “And I better have a kickass drink waiting for me.”

“Relax, darlin’. I pulled out all the stops.” He assured me. I closed my eyes and let them rest while I waited for him. “See,” he gestured to two plates of pizza that he was carrying towards me. I laughed.

“You sure know how to make a girl feel special.” I laughed.

“What can I say, babe? I’m good with the ladies for a reason.” He winked, after setting the food onto the coffee table. He grabbed two beers and came back. “Your majesty,” he bowed as he handed me an open bottle. I giggled and took a sip, before grabbing the grub.

“Thanks, D. This is awesome. I love coming home to food on the table. You know, for a wife, you’re not that bad. I might just keep you.”

“Good. I was worried.” He cracked a grin.

---

About two hours into my stay at Dean’s, someone rapped on the door. He gave me a puzzled look and walked over to the door.

“Expecting anyone?” I asked him. He shook his head.

“Not that I can think of,” he replied.

“Hm,” I shrugged. “Only one way to find out who it is.” I mused as he pulled the door open. I glanced over as I swallowed a mouthful of beer. I smiled as I swallowed.

Alexander, the man who is responsible for sanctuary starting to begin with, was at the door. He and Dean had been friends for a long time and Dean never hesitated when Alexander asked him to join him on his endeavor. As far as I know, the obstacles that they’ve had to go through to keep us here are minimal, but I barely know anything apart that they’re partners in this.

Alexander is a stand-up guy. He’s well connected and well respected, all fantastic combinations, especially in an ally. Alexander is old-fashioned a reserved, until it comes down to business.

Dean is completely different. He’s not afraid to say what he thinks or to intimidate someone who is picking on someone smaller than him or her. He’s the one who told Ashley’s partner, my friend that was put in the hospital, to take a hike. He may not be as connected in the community, but there isn’t a shortage of love for the man. He sticks up for people and for what he thinks is right. He and Alexander both have that in common.

“I didn’t realize you had company, my apologies.” Alexander apologized as he saw me. I waved my hand, telling him that it really wasn’t a big deal. He owns the building. I’m not about to complain.

“Don’t ridiculous, man. Come in. Can I get you a beer?” Dean offered. Alexander gave him a wry smile.

“Please, thank you.” He accepted, as he stepped inside. “I actually had a bit of business to discuss with you, but it can wait until the morning.”

“Actually, I was just about to go. I have an early day tomorrow.” I announced, getting to my feet. I slipped on my shoes and walked over to the two guys. I threw away my empty bottle and hugged Dean.

“It’s quite alright. I intruded.” Alexander tried to get me to stay. I gave him a quick smile.

“It’s fine, really. I’m beat.” I assured him.

“I’ll call you, later. Okay?” Dean told me. I nodded. He leaned down and gave me a quick kiss. I pulled away and gave Alexander a hug. I caught him off guard, so it took him a minute to return it.

“I’ll see you, guys.” I told them as I excused myself. I heard their chorus of goodbyes as I walked to the elevator.

I yawned. I didn’t realize how tired I really was, until I used it as an excuse. I hear my bed calling my name. I groaned. I really do have an early day tomorrow. That wasn’t a lie. I have to be up and out the door by six. Such an inhumane hour. For fucking really. I sighed. Oh, well. What can ya do?

Notes

Next chapter will be posted on Monday! With one or both of Karen's partners. ;)

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Xo,
Katie