{"sf1_id":295890,"sf2_id":"3egpzawm","title":"Venom: Beautiful Killers. Part 17.","author":"Homo Habilis","words":7285,"posted_at":"2011-10-13T06:46:00.000Z","tags":["Cat","F/F","Greyhound","Human","Jaguar","M/F","Maltese","Ocelot","Scottish Terrier","Story Progression","Wolf","dialogue"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/295890-venom-beautiful-killers-part-17","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/3egpzawm","image_url":"https://www.sofurryfiles.com/std/thumb?page=295890\u0026ext=.jpg","description":"#17 of Venom: Beautiful Killers","content":"Venom:\u0026nbsp; Beautiful Killers.\u0026nbsp; Part 17\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n_\"'A' as in none.\"_\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nMariana sits alone in the room where her fate has been sealed.\u0026nbsp; Half of her torn file lay on the table in front of her.\u0026nbsp; The other half is on the floor by her feet.\u0026nbsp; No longer a member of the company in any capacity, and with her friend not coming back, Venom's first two females are now history.\u0026nbsp; The digital clock on the wall has struck nine.\u0026nbsp; Her superiors would be busy at work now, tending to borrowers.\u0026nbsp; The hitmen would also be gone by now.\u0026nbsp; She would be all alone with not much to do.\n\nShe sits by the conference table with her face in her hands, a position she has held for the last five minutes.\u0026nbsp; She has stopped crying and is starting to calm down.\u0026nbsp; There is no sign of the carefree, bubbly personality that arrived in the building earlier this morning.\u0026nbsp; The Maltese is serious; she puts her hands down, revealing a look more powerful than the word \"angry\" could define.\u0026nbsp; She looks determined to do something, even if it is unclear what the something is.\n\nThe door behind her opens and Ted steps back in.\u0026nbsp; \"Forgot my briefcase,\" he says gruffly.\u0026nbsp; He sneaks behind the angry canine and quickly grabs what he is after.\u0026nbsp; \"Most of the boys have left, but a few are coming to see you.\"\n\nShe wipes her eyes and nods.\u0026nbsp; \"Don't worry about me.\u0026nbsp; I'm sure I'll be well taken care of.\"\n\n\"I'm sure you will be.\"\u0026nbsp; He starts moving to the door.\u0026nbsp; \"Hey, what's the deal with you and Camille?\u0026nbsp; St. Croix has told me there was something going on between you two.\"\n\nMariana chuckles.\u0026nbsp; \"Don't bother.\u0026nbsp; It's too long a story.\u0026nbsp; Suffice it to say that she hates Zesty's guts, so she doesn't think much of me either.\"\u0026nbsp; She turns to look at him.\u0026nbsp; \"She still here?\"\n\n\"I interrupted the meeting to tell them you were leaving.\u0026nbsp; She fled as soon as she heard your name.\u0026nbsp; It was like she was leaving the scene of a crime.\"\n\n\"Yeah, that sounds like Camille.\"\n\n\"It's not good that I didn't know about this sooner.\u0026nbsp; I don't tolerate fights among the workers, especially if it could get in the way of their work.\"\n\nThe Maltese shrugs.\u0026nbsp; \"What can I say?\u0026nbsp; We're just a small group of jealous females surrounded by a bunch of mostly brain-addled guys.\u0026nbsp; We fight each other more often than you know.\u0026nbsp; You're not a woman.\u0026nbsp; What good would it do to tell you about it?\u0026nbsp; There's nothing you could do.\"\u0026nbsp; She turns away from him.\u0026nbsp; \"I've been wanting to tell Mrs. Cross about my problems with Camille, but she's not involved in the killing part of the business. \"\n\n\"So you'll just let it fester like that?\u0026nbsp; What if it grows into something big?\"\n\n\"Well, since you've just accepted my resignation, I don't think it'll be a problem.\"\n\nTed sighs and leaves.\u0026nbsp; The look of consternation on his face says that he cannot wait for the day to end.\u0026nbsp; Mariana sighs too, confused and frustrated.\u0026nbsp; She puts her head in her hands again.\u0026nbsp; This time, she is not crying.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Instead, her face exhibits something approaching resolve.\u0026nbsp; Her hands slide off her face and clench themselves on the table.\u0026nbsp; Her mouth tightens and her eyes open wide.\u0026nbsp; Her tail wags as if she just thought of something good, or at least of something important.\u0026nbsp; She stands and moves her chair aside.\u0026nbsp; It looks like she is ready to leave.\n\nJust then, the door opens.\u0026nbsp; Inverness steps through cautiously.\u0026nbsp; He politely clears his throat, causing her to turn around.\u0026nbsp; \"Hi.\u0026nbsp; You alone?\" he asks.\n\n\"About as alone as I can be.\"\u0026nbsp; She smiles widely.\u0026nbsp; \"So, what's up?\"\n\n\"What happened?\"\n\n\"Ted's made it official.\u0026nbsp; I'm not--\"\n\n\"Is that your file?\"\u0026nbsp; He points to the half of the folder that is by her feet.\n\n\"What's left of it.\"\n\nThe terrier's already somber face now looks even more distressed.\u0026nbsp; \"So, what are you gonna do now?\"\n\n\"Funny you should ask, because I just decided.\u0026nbsp; I'm going to leave and go back home.\u0026nbsp; I'm going to see my friend, and feel her belly.\u0026nbsp; She's about ten weeks along now.\"\u0026nbsp; She chuckles.\n\n\"Zesty's pregnant?\"\n\nMariana quickly covers her mouth, then drops her hands in disgust.\u0026nbsp; \"Damn.\u0026nbsp; She told me not to tell anyone who wasn't there.\u0026nbsp; Now I've blown it.\"\n\nInverness walks to her until they are very close to each other.\u0026nbsp; \"How did she get pregnant?\"\n\nHer eyes narrow.\u0026nbsp; \"Um...she had sex.\"\n\n\"You know what I mean.\u0026nbsp; How could she get pregnant?\u0026nbsp; She wasn't seeing anyone.\u0026nbsp; I've even tried to ask her out a few times, with no success.\u0026nbsp; Who's the father?\"\n\n\"It doesn't matter, okay?\u0026nbsp; Don't worry about it.\"\n\n\"You quit because she's pregnant?\"\n\nShe is starting to get angry.\u0026nbsp; \"I quit because I'm loyal, okay?\u0026nbsp; This is not quitting under protest.\u0026nbsp; This is much more than that.\u0026nbsp; I quit because she needs me.\u0026nbsp; She's got money to buy what she needs for the next seven months.\u0026nbsp; She just doesn't know _what_ to buy.\u0026nbsp; She doesn't know how to handle money.\u0026nbsp; She doesn't know...kids.\u0026nbsp; This situation will overwhelm her, but I have seven siblings.\u0026nbsp; I can teach her some things. \"\n\n\"You don't have to leave.\"\n\n\"If I stay here, she'll be alone.\u0026nbsp; She won't know what to do.\u0026nbsp; That much was clear the day she heard she was pregnant.\u0026nbsp; She looked like a kid in a maze.\"\u0026nbsp; She turns away from him.\u0026nbsp; \"Come to think of it, even if I did come to work, my mind wouldn't be on my marks.\u0026nbsp; It would be on her.\"\n\nInverness steps even closer.\u0026nbsp; His dress shoes touch her sneakers.\u0026nbsp; \"But you _can't_ leave.\"\n\n\"Why do you even care?\"\n\nHe scratches his head shyly.\u0026nbsp; \"Well...'cuz I like ya.\"\n\nShe sighs and stretches her left hand to his face.\u0026nbsp; She strokes his right cheek gently.\u0026nbsp; \"I like you too, but what you're thinking of can't happen now.\"\u0026nbsp; Her hand comes down before he gets used to the pleasurable feeling.\n\n\"It's not fair.\u0026nbsp; The day you finally say yes to a date with me is the day you quit.\"\n\n\"It had to happen.\"\n\n\"I disagree.\"\n\nShe kisses his forehead.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm sorry.\"\u0026nbsp; She backs away and sits back down on her chair.\u0026nbsp; \"If it makes you feel any better, I was really looking forward to going out with you.\"\n\nInverness stays still and looks at her.\u0026nbsp; He blinks a few times in disbelief, devastated and distant.\u0026nbsp; Mariana is only about an inch taller than he is, but right now, he looks so much smaller.\u0026nbsp; He looks like a grade schooler saying goodbye to his favorite teacher.\u0026nbsp; His regal and boisterous self is just not there.\n\n\"It's past nine.\u0026nbsp; Don't you have to work?\"\n\nHe swallows.\u0026nbsp; \"I don't feel like it.\"\n\n\"Oh.\u0026nbsp; I hope it's not because of me.\"\n\n\"I haven't given up.\"\n\n\"What's that?\"\n\n\"I haven't given up on ya.\u0026nbsp; I was really honored when I asked you and you said yes.\u0026nbsp; I feel I have to keep trying.\u0026nbsp; What are you doing this evening?\"\n\nMariana scoffs in disbelief.\u0026nbsp; \"Come on, man.\u0026nbsp; You're trying too hard.\u0026nbsp; You don't have to do anything.\u0026nbsp; I don't have any plans tonight, but it's not going to work anyway.\u0026nbsp; I don't feel like having company.\"\n\n\"Well...what are you doing in the next couple of minutes?\"\u0026nbsp; He approaches her quickly, desperate to avoid rejection.\u0026nbsp; \"Let me get you something.\u0026nbsp; Please...just tell me what you want, and I'll get it for you.\"\n\nThe Maltese laughs.\u0026nbsp; It is a light, sweet laugh that makes the terrier's eyes light up.\u0026nbsp; Still in disbelief, she wipes her brow.\u0026nbsp; \"Okay.\u0026nbsp; You want to get me something?\u0026nbsp; Get me a cup of coffee.\"\n\nHe nods emphatically.\u0026nbsp; \"Plenty of that in the cafeteria.\u0026nbsp; I'll be right back.\"\n\n\"No.\u0026nbsp; Not that instant shit.\u0026nbsp; Real coffee--the kind that is actually _made_.\u0026nbsp; There's none here, but you can buy some down the street.\u0026nbsp; Get me the largest they have.\"\n\nInverness smiles and gathers himself for the trip.\u0026nbsp; \"I'll be back in two shakes.\u0026nbsp; Then we'll have a real, honest talk.\"\n\n\"You won't change my mind.\"\n\n\"We'll see.\"\u0026nbsp; He quickly opens the door and runs into someone about to enter.\u0026nbsp; \"Oh.\u0026nbsp; Sorry there, big man.\u0026nbsp; I'll see you later.\"\u0026nbsp; He runs out of the room and Shiloh comes in.\u0026nbsp; He looks behind him and laughs.\u0026nbsp;\n\nMariana is hesitant; she does not feel like talking anymore.\u0026nbsp; Still, she beckons the wolf to advance.\u0026nbsp; \"Good morning.\"\n\n\"No it isn't.\u0026nbsp; Not really.\"\u0026nbsp; He stands over her and folds his arms.\u0026nbsp; He looks uneasy.\u0026nbsp; \"Inverness left in a hurry.\u0026nbsp; Where's he going?\"\n\n\"To get coffee.\u0026nbsp; I sent him to get me some at the bistro next door.\u0026nbsp; But I really wanted to get him out of my hair.\"\n\n\"Why are you leaving?\"\n\nShe chuckles.\u0026nbsp; \"Aw.\u0026nbsp; You're gonna miss me?\u0026nbsp; That's really sweet.\"\n\n\"I'm serious.\u0026nbsp; What happened?\"\n\n\"Hey, you don't have to worry.\u0026nbsp; Nothing bad's gonna happen just because I'm not there.\"\n\n\"Look, I care about this place....\"\u0026nbsp; He hangs his arms at his sides, trying not to seem combative.\u0026nbsp; Then he grabs the nearest empty chair and sits in front of her.\u0026nbsp; \"I don't know much about the lending part of the business, but I make sure that both businesses work seamlessly in the same building.\u0026nbsp; If something in here made you quit, I need to know what it is so it can be dealt with.\u0026nbsp; I don't want it to cause any negative effects.\"\n\nHer smile disappears.\u0026nbsp; \"Well you don't have to worry about anything bad happening, because we won't be here anymore.\"\n\n\"Who's 'we?'\"\n\nShe sighs and shakes her head.\u0026nbsp; \"Might as well tell you.\u0026nbsp; I've already told Inverness.\u0026nbsp; I was supposed to keep this a secret from those who didn't know.\"\u0026nbsp; She turns to him and folds her arms.\u0026nbsp; \"Just listen and don't interrupt.\u0026nbsp; A couple of months ago, Zesty got pregnant.\u0026nbsp; It was unintended and unplanned.\u0026nbsp; One day when she came to work, she took me aside during the meeting and told me she felt bad...she had a suspicion that really bothered her.\u0026nbsp; She decided to see a doctor and told me to come with her.\u0026nbsp; Being the friend that I was, I went.\u0026nbsp; When the doctor told us she was pregnant, I was surprised.\u0026nbsp; She was completely distraught.\"\n\n\"Wow.\"\u0026nbsp; He shows a slight smile.\u0026nbsp; \"That's nice.\u0026nbsp; Congratulations are in order.\"\n\n\"No, it isn't nice.\u0026nbsp; She got fired as a result.\u0026nbsp; Ted unceremoniously had her axed because she was pregnant.\u0026nbsp; It came out of left field, just like the pregnancy itself.\"\u0026nbsp; She watches for a reaction.\n\nShiloh stops smiling and leans in closer.\u0026nbsp; \"Well, that can't be right.\u0026nbsp; It's not like Ted to act impulsively.\u0026nbsp; There must be some mistake.\"\n\n\"Damn right.\u0026nbsp; Zesty has worked under duress.\u0026nbsp; She's worked sick; she's worked under stress; she's even worked with a broken arm.\u0026nbsp; She is fully capable of doing this job.\u0026nbsp; He didn't need to send her away.\"\n\n\"Well, I agree.\u0026nbsp; She can work here in other capacities.\u0026nbsp; She could have helped the executives with balancing budgets or even helped laminate the marks' pictures.\u0026nbsp; She didn't need to leave.\"\u0026nbsp; He scratches his chin in deep thought.\u0026nbsp; \"I think Ted's thinking was wrong.\u0026nbsp; I'll talk to him.\"\n\nMariana leans back and crosses her legs, completely relaxing in the velvet seat.\u0026nbsp; \"You're sweet, but that's not enough.\u0026nbsp; She told me she's not returning unless Ted changes his mind about her and acknowledges her abilities.\u0026nbsp; Unless that happens, rehiring her would be a shallow gesture.\"\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe wolf shrugs.\u0026nbsp; \"I don't get it.\u0026nbsp; Doesn't she want to come back to work?\"\n\n\"She wants to feel appreciated by the bosses, Shiloh.\u0026nbsp; The way she was fired was embarrassing.\u0026nbsp; Pretty much all the boys were watching.\u0026nbsp; I think a couple of words from Ted, in front of all the workers, telling her that he values her talents is something she deserves.\u0026nbsp; Don't you think so?\"\u0026nbsp; She watches as Shiloh nods.\u0026nbsp; \"Besides, she made a couple of kills since she got the news.\u0026nbsp; She didn't miss a beat.\u0026nbsp; She can work just as well as anyone--\"\n\n\"Wait!\u0026nbsp; Stop!\"\u0026nbsp; Shiloh stands.\u0026nbsp; \"She was working _while_ she was pregnant?\"\n\n\"Of course she was.\u0026nbsp; I told you she was good, didn't I?\"\n\n\"She can't do that.\"\u0026nbsp; He stammers, searching for a lost thought.\u0026nbsp; Confused, he repeats, \"She can't _do_ that!\"\n\nMariana shakes her head.\u0026nbsp; \"She can and she has.\u0026nbsp; What's the matter with you?\"\n\n\"Is she an idiot?!\"\n\n\"Don't call her that.\"\u0026nbsp; She stands quickly.\u0026nbsp; \"There's nothing wrong with what she did.\u0026nbsp; I helped her and made sure she was safe.\"\n\n\"You can't hunt while pregnant.\u0026nbsp; You can't kill while pregnant either!\u0026nbsp; Didn't she realize what danger she could have caused?!\"\n\n\"What danger?\u0026nbsp; What are you talking about?\"\n\n\"What if a mark had killed her while defending himself?\u0026nbsp; What if he killed her and left her at the scene?\u0026nbsp; Zesty's body would be found by police and taken to the morgue.\u0026nbsp; The coroner would discover she was pregnant, take the baby out of her belly, and determine the breed of the kid!\u0026nbsp; The police would find the father in days, especially if the kid's a mixed breed!\u0026nbsp; They would question him, and any answers he gave could lead them to this building!\"\n\n\"Don't be an idiot.\u0026nbsp; At six weeks, the baby would still look like a fetus.\u0026nbsp; The police wouldn't be able to tell what breed--\"\n\n\"DNA, dumbass!\u0026nbsp; The police would still know!\"\n\n\"Don't yell at me!\u0026nbsp; Zesty and the baby were safe the entire time.\u0026nbsp; She's too good a tracker and hunter to get caught or killed. \u0026nbsp;When she's working, only the marks are in danger.\u0026nbsp; Not her.\"\n\nShiloh nods, getting a clear picture of what has happened and what needs to happen.\u0026nbsp; \"I can see now why Ted fired her.\u0026nbsp; He made the right decision.\"\n\nMariana gasps.\u0026nbsp; \"I don't believe this.\u0026nbsp; I thought you were on my side!\"\n\n\"That's before you told me what really happened.\u0026nbsp; I didn't think Zesty was stupid as well as skillful.\"\n\n\"I told you not to call her those things!\"\u0026nbsp; Her hands ball up and her breath races in and out of her clenched teeth.\n\nShiloh is not intimidated in the least.\u0026nbsp; \"Sorry, girl.\u0026nbsp; I side with Ted.\u0026nbsp; By letting your friend go, he was watching out for us and looking after the business.\u0026nbsp; She was only looking out for herself.\"\n\n\"You take that back.\u0026nbsp; That's not true!\"\n\n\"Hey, I don't work sick.\u0026nbsp; If I miss a mark, there _will_ be others.\u0026nbsp; There always is.\"\n\n\"It only makes you weaker than Zesty, not smarter.\"\n\n\"The rules are made perfectly clear the first time you get here.\u0026nbsp; You don't do anything that can get you discovered.\u0026nbsp; You don't do anything that can expose us.\u0026nbsp; We've had an outsider infiltrate this place some time ago; he threatened us with legal action and almost put us in danger.\u0026nbsp; I won't let us be compromised like that again.\"\u0026nbsp; He hesitates a bit, but moves close enough to her that their toes touch.\u0026nbsp; \"I like Zesty too, but she's gone.\u0026nbsp; If I were the head honcho, I'd do exactly what Ted did.\u0026nbsp; I'd fire her on the spot.\"\u0026nbsp; He watches with concern as Mariana again turns her back to him.\u0026nbsp; \"Your job, on the other hand, should be safe.\u0026nbsp; If you want it, you can get it back.\u0026nbsp; I'd support that.\u0026nbsp; I don't see why you have to leave if _you_ didn't do anything wrong.\"\n\n\"Like I said already, she was fired in front of the workers--workers I thought were her friends.\u0026nbsp; They didn't defend her when Simon was berating her.\u0026nbsp; Just like that, they learned she was pregnant and watched as she was virtually kicked out of the lobby.\u0026nbsp; It wasn't fair.\"\n\n\"You can't blame them.\u0026nbsp; Those boys have never encountered something like that before.\u0026nbsp; What did you expect them to do?\"\n\nThe Maltese nods.\u0026nbsp; \"You see that?\u0026nbsp; That's why I'm leaving.\u0026nbsp; There's no understanding, no empathy, no sympathy.\u0026nbsp; The day she left, I realized that nobody really cared for her.\"\n\n\"That's bullshit.\u0026nbsp; Zesty's worked together with them for over two years.\u0026nbsp; She traded marks with them, she's given them tips, and she's even had beers with them at The Shark Pit.\u0026nbsp; They took a liking to her just as much as I had.\"\n\n\"I don't believe that anymore.\u0026nbsp; I now think that all that attention they gave her was just an attempt to get laid!\"\u0026nbsp; Furious, she stands up, trying to get as far away from him as possible.\u0026nbsp; \"Inverness is trying to get into my drawers too.\u0026nbsp; He's just being very subtle about it.\"\n\n\"_Now_ who's being unfair?\"\n\nShe walks to the other end of the table.\u0026nbsp; \"You know, I feel sorry for the girls-Mieri, Pamila, and even Camille, even though she hates me.\u0026nbsp; I feel sorry for them all. They're going to be crowded out when they try to get marks.\u0026nbsp; If they try to trade marks, they'll be rejected.\u0026nbsp; The boys will treat them like dirt.\u0026nbsp; If anything, Zesty's firing will remind them how much stronger they are.\u0026nbsp; They're gonna take advantage of that, and the executives will do nothing to help.\"\u0026nbsp; She takes a breath.\u0026nbsp; \"I also feel for your girlfriend.\u0026nbsp; She may be the same size as you, but she's weak compared to the rest of the workplace.\u0026nbsp; She doesn't know what she's getting into.\"\n\n\"Don't you dare!\"\u0026nbsp; The angry wolf quickly rushes around the table toward her.\u0026nbsp; It looks like he is about to attack her.\u0026nbsp; As if to emphasize weakness, Mariana lowers her head and puts her hands behind her back.\u0026nbsp; It makes Shiloh stop himself.\u0026nbsp; He is now the angriest he has ever been today.\u0026nbsp;\n\nStill looking down, she clears her throat.\u0026nbsp; \"Well, go ahead, big guy.\u0026nbsp; Defend her honor.\u0026nbsp; Kick my ass.\"\u0026nbsp; She stands there for a few seconds, prepared for something nasty to happen to her.\u0026nbsp; She hears his tense breathing, but nothing else is happening.\u0026nbsp; \"You're now experiencing what it feels like to stand up for someone you care about.\u0026nbsp; I feel the same way about Zesty.\u0026nbsp; If only everyone else did....\"\u0026nbsp; She wipes her left cheek.\n\nShiloh sits next to her and puts his hands on the table, trying to calm down.\u0026nbsp; \"You know, the one thing I love about Winter is also a bit of a problem, especially around here.\u0026nbsp; She's a bit too clingy.\u0026nbsp; It's like she has separation anxiety.\u0026nbsp; She doesn't like it when I leave the house.\u0026nbsp; She hates it when I'm gone for long periods of time.\u0026nbsp; About a year ago, she asked me what I do for a living.\u0026nbsp; I wouldn't tell her, of course, but she kept on asking and prodding.\u0026nbsp; I waited a long time before I told her the truth and told her not to tell anybody.\"\u0026nbsp; He chuckles, causing Mariana to look at him.\u0026nbsp; \"I was surprised as hell when she told me she wanted to do what I do.\"\n\n\"Kinda caught you off guard, huh?\"\n\n\"I thought about the implications and I said no, a lot.\u0026nbsp; When I finally gave in, I spent _three_ months teaching her how this place works, what to expect, and how to be responsible.\u0026nbsp; I taught her over and over again how not to get caught.\u0026nbsp; I taught her how to protect herself from the dangers of hunting marks.\u0026nbsp; The other hitmen can be real assholes, so I taught her to protect herself from them as well.\u0026nbsp; Those lessons have paid off.\u0026nbsp; She can take care of herself easily, and tomorrow, she'll be back from her first hunt, which will undoubtedly be a success.\"\n\n\"And what about the next hunt?\u0026nbsp; And the one after that?\"\n\n\"Winter is different.\u0026nbsp; She will not be like the other girls.\u0026nbsp; She'll be tough and persistent.\u0026nbsp; If anyone gets in her way, she'll step on 'em.\"\n\nMariana shakes her head in disbelief.\u0026nbsp; \"If you say so.\"\n\n\"Besides, those guys respect me too much to do anything to her.\u0026nbsp; The other girls, sure, but not her.\"\n\n\"That's not respect they're showing you.\u0026nbsp; It's fear.\u0026nbsp; They're afraid of you, and they will hate her for it.\"\n\nAn angry Shiloh buries his claws into the table.\u0026nbsp; \"You're not gonna get far talking to me that way.\"\n\n\"Whatever.\u0026nbsp; I don't work here anymore.\u0026nbsp; You were kind of my last hope.\u0026nbsp; The bosses listen to you.\u0026nbsp; You're the most authoritative worker here.\u0026nbsp; You're the only one who can get Zesty reinstated.\u0026nbsp; I was hoping you could see things my way.\"\n\n\"Sorry, I don't.\"\u0026nbsp; He stretches his arms over his head.\u0026nbsp; A loud yawn emerges from his mouth, surprising the Maltese.\u0026nbsp; He slowly stands and interlocks his fingers, cracking his knuckles.\n\nShe looks at the ceiling.\u0026nbsp; \"You're tired.\u0026nbsp; I'm tired too.\u0026nbsp; We're getting nowhere.\"\n\n\"So, let's call it a draw.\"\u0026nbsp; He softens his posture and creeps toward her, putting his hands on her shoulders.\u0026nbsp; \"Don't get me wrong, okay?\u0026nbsp; I'm sad you're leaving.\u0026nbsp; I was there when Zesty first brought you in.\u0026nbsp; I tried to make the transition easy for you.\"\n\nShe turns and hugs him, surprising herself just as much as she surprises the wolf.\u0026nbsp; \"I don't hate you, okay?\u0026nbsp; I just...hate the idea of you.\u0026nbsp; In a place dominated by guys, Zesty didn't really stand a chance.\u0026nbsp; I don't see much hope for the other women.\"\u0026nbsp; They release each other.\u0026nbsp; She looks at Shiloh's sullen face and laughs quietly.\u0026nbsp; \"But I'm sure Winter will be fine.\u0026nbsp; Where is she now?\"\n\n\"Chino Hills.\"\n\n\"Hmm.\u0026nbsp; I know people there.\"\n\nThe door suddenly opens.\u0026nbsp; Robert Crevecoeur enters the room, adjusting the cufflinks on his suit.\u0026nbsp; \"Am I interrupting anything?\"\u0026nbsp; He watches as the anthros back away from one another.\u0026nbsp; \"I just came from the cafeteria.\u0026nbsp; There's a small group of guys milling around there.\u0026nbsp; I assume they're waiting to see you.\"\n\nMariana scoffs.\u0026nbsp; \"I don't really want to see them.\"\n\nShiloh makes his way out of the room.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm going to call Winter and make sure she's all right.\"\u0026nbsp; He waves and closes the door behind him.\n\nThe executive wastes no time.\u0026nbsp; \"I talked to Ted a few minutes ago.\u0026nbsp; He told me why you were leaving.\u0026nbsp; He told me everything.\u0026nbsp; I wasn't there when it happened.\u0026nbsp; I'm so sorry.\"\n\nShe shakes her head.\u0026nbsp; \"Sure, you're sorry.\u0026nbsp; Tell me the truth.\u0026nbsp; You would have fired Zesty too, wouldn't you?\"\n\nDisappointed, he slowly sits on the nearest chair.\u0026nbsp; \"Yeah, I would have.\u0026nbsp; But I would have done it myself, and in private.\u0026nbsp; I wouldn't have sent Simon to do it.\"\n\n\"Well, there's nothing that can be done about it now.\"\u0026nbsp; Suddenly, she runs around the table until she is right in front of him.\u0026nbsp; \"Listen, I need to tell you something important.\u0026nbsp; You know I like you.\u0026nbsp; I prefer you to the other executives.\u0026nbsp; I prefer your company even to Mrs. Cross.\u0026nbsp; That's why I'm telling you instead of her.\u0026nbsp; You're the most open-minded, so I know you'll listen.\"\n\n\"Okay.\u0026nbsp; I'm here.\u0026nbsp; What's wrong?\"\n\nShe closes her eyes, clearly dreading what she is about to say.\u0026nbsp; \"I think the girls are in trouble....\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\*\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nInverness has outdone himself.\u0026nbsp; He returned from the trip that Mariana sent him on bringing back more than coffee.\u0026nbsp; He entered through the cafeteria, carrying two large, white boxes.\u0026nbsp; He had apparently gone to a doughnut shop.\u0026nbsp; He entered the conference room and surprised Mariana with the gifts.\u0026nbsp; She could only look on in disbelief as the terrier presented their contents.\u0026nbsp; Speechless, she inspected the Danishes, crullers, bear claws, apple fritters, chocolate-covered strawberries, and doughnuts of many kinds.\u0026nbsp; Of course, he did not forget the coffee.\n\nAs they ate, they talked.\u0026nbsp; It was all Inverness was hoping for, since it was what led to her agreeing to a date with him weeks ago.\u0026nbsp; He tries patiently and delicately to ask her out again.\u0026nbsp; It does not work, but she has since softened her attitude towards him.\u0026nbsp; He told her more about himself and she soaked up every word.\u0026nbsp; The chat was informative and understanding.\n\nMinutes later, Baua entered, more enticed with the food than with Mariana's presence.\u0026nbsp; A couple of other males followed him in.\u0026nbsp; As tired as she was, Mariana talked with all of them.\u0026nbsp; None of them changed her mind.\u0026nbsp; At the same time, none of them saw a problem with the decision to let Zesty go.\u0026nbsp; Through it all, she was able to talk without being confrontational.\u0026nbsp;\n\nAstoundingly, the Maltese stayed in the building throughout the day, leaving only once.\u0026nbsp; She stepped out around noon, most probably to get lunch, and then returned an hour later.\u0026nbsp; She watched television, lifted some weights, used some of the exercise equipment, and talked to anyone who came in through the back door.\u0026nbsp; Shiloh made multiple visits so they could heal the verbal wounds they inflicted on each other earlier in the day.\u0026nbsp; It was an uncomfortable, but calming experience for both of them.\n\nShiloh's latest visit has now lasted half an hour.\u0026nbsp; The time has just passed six p.m.\u0026nbsp; Crevecoeur shoos him and Mariana out of the conference room so he can hand out payments to any workers who show up.\u0026nbsp; The wolf and the Maltese decide to head to the cafeteria.\u0026nbsp; On the way there, the VIVIAN CROSS door opens.\u0026nbsp; Ted steps out, tense and eager to leave.\u0026nbsp; He brushes past Shiloh without acknowledging his goodbye.\u0026nbsp; Mariana looks at him stoically.\u0026nbsp; The executive does not look back.\n\nThen the chief steps out, closing the door behind her.\u0026nbsp; She is wearing a red dress with floral print and is carrying an expensive-looking handbag.\u0026nbsp; It looks like she is going to a party.\u0026nbsp; Upon seeing Mariana, she stops in her tracks.\u0026nbsp; Shiloh watches uncomfortably as the women stare each other down.\u0026nbsp; The dog opens her mouth to say something, but only stutters.\u0026nbsp; Pensively, she looks at her feet.\n\nWinning another staring contest, Mrs. Cross shrugs and waves to Shiloh before disappearing through the hallway.\u0026nbsp; The wolf chuckles in response.\u0026nbsp; \"That was weird.\u0026nbsp; When she's silent, you know something bad has happened.\u0026nbsp; She didn't look mad, but she looks like she knows.\"\u0026nbsp; He makes his way to the cafeteria, expecting Mariana to follow him.\u0026nbsp; Instead, she simply stands there, watching the chief say goodbye to the workers remaining in the lobby.\u0026nbsp; Shiloh returns and puts a hand on her shoulder.\u0026nbsp; \"You're shaking.\u0026nbsp; What's wrong?\"\n\nHer breath is also shaky.\u0026nbsp; \"Nothing.\u0026nbsp; It's just...I think I hate her.\"\u0026nbsp; She turns to the wolf and takes his hand off her left shoulder.\u0026nbsp; \"Excuse me.\u0026nbsp; I'm gonna be sick.\"\u0026nbsp; She walks down the hallway and turns to the left, into the ladies' restroom.\u0026nbsp;\n\nThe wolf follows her as far as the restroom door.\u0026nbsp; \"If you need something, let me know.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Once the door closes, he enters the men's restroom next door.\u0026nbsp; There he sees the janitor, Tobias, who has just finished mopping the floor.\u0026nbsp; The ground glistens under their feet.\u0026nbsp; Shiloh clears his throat.\u0026nbsp; \"Hello.\u0026nbsp; Um...you're here early.\u0026nbsp; Don't you usually begin at the lobby?\"\n\nTobias adjusts his glasses.\u0026nbsp; \"I can't.\u0026nbsp; There's a bunch of workers standing around the waiting room.\u0026nbsp; I can't vacuum.\u0026nbsp; What's going on?\u0026nbsp; Why haven't they left yet?\"\n\nHe hesitates, but approaches the young man.\u0026nbsp; \"Mariana's here.\u0026nbsp; Those guys are staying 'cuz they want to talk to her one last--\"\n\n\"Mariana's back?\"\u0026nbsp; A big smile suddenly shows on his face.\u0026nbsp; \"I didn't see her come in.\u0026nbsp; Did she come back to work?\u0026nbsp; Where is she?\"\n\n\"No, she's not back.\u0026nbsp; She came here to say goodbye.\u0026nbsp; The boys are there to see her one last time.\"\u0026nbsp; He pats Tobias on the head.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm sorry, son.\u0026nbsp; I know how much you liked her.\"\u0026nbsp; He leaves the human and turns to a urinal.\u0026nbsp; Forlorn, Tobias enters one of the stalls.\n\nAs Shiloh relieves himself, St. Croix steps inside.\u0026nbsp; He practically slides along the floor as he approaches the urinals.\u0026nbsp; Shiloh laughs.\u0026nbsp; \"Hey, cousin.\u0026nbsp; How are things?\"\n\nSt. Croix stops by the sink to look at himself in the mirror.\u0026nbsp; \"I don't feel so good,\" he says as he removes his blue tie from his neck.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm getting tired of the clients.\"\n\n\"What's the matter?\"\n\n\"I've been working behind the desk, as you know, my legs hurt, and I haven't been able to stretch since lunch.\u0026nbsp; I also haven't been able to see Mariana, not even during lunch.\"\n\n\"Don't sweat it.\u0026nbsp; She's staying here a little while longer.\u0026nbsp; You'll get to talk to her then.\"\n\n\"That's not all.\u0026nbsp; Ted came over to me during my lunch break.\u0026nbsp; We talked about her the entire time.\u0026nbsp; Ted wants me....\"\u0026nbsp; He shakes his head, prompting Shiloh to look his way.\u0026nbsp; \"He wants me to monitor her.\u0026nbsp; He wants me to--\"\n\n\"Oh yeah, I forgot about that.\"\u0026nbsp; Shiloh flushes, then approaches the nearest sink.\u0026nbsp; \"You're gonna do reconnaissance.\u0026nbsp; Fantastic.\"\n\nThe eerily similar wolves look at one another.\u0026nbsp; Unlike his smiling counterpart, St. Croix exhales with dread.\u0026nbsp; \"Why am I gonna do this?\"\n\nShiloh furrows his brow.\u0026nbsp; \"Don't you remember?\u0026nbsp; This is Ted's failsafe system.\u0026nbsp; It takes effect in case anyone leaves the group.\"\n\n\"Oh.\u0026nbsp; I must have forgotten about that, or just blocked it out.\u0026nbsp; Nobody's ever left before.\"\n\n\"Well, now two people have.\u0026nbsp; Now, the plan is in full effect.\u0026nbsp; Ted wants you to do it, so--\"\n\n\"That's stalking!\u0026nbsp; I can't do that.\"\n\n\"Not if you do it right.\u0026nbsp; What's wrong with you?\"\n\n\"Ted's told me that Hoeness is already monitoring Zesty.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; He's seen her a couple of times, and she's been a good girl.\u0026nbsp; She's tending to the baby, she's taking care of herself, and she hasn't told anybody about what we do here.\u0026nbsp; But I'm afraid he's bothering her.\"\n\n\"My friend, you know why we do this.\u0026nbsp; Hoeness is only going to follow her until he is sure she won't be a problem.\u0026nbsp; I'm convinced that she won't ever go to the police.\u0026nbsp; Once Hoeness is convinced of that too, he'll stop monitoring her.\"\u0026nbsp; Shiloh stops washing his hands and heads for the dryers near the door.\u0026nbsp; \"On the other hand, Mariana is different.\u0026nbsp; She's spirited, carefree and hates authority.\u0026nbsp; She might be a problem.\u0026nbsp; You're gonna have to watch her carefully.\"\n\nWith absolute certainty, St. Croix shakes his head.\u0026nbsp; \"I won't do it.\u0026nbsp; She's too much of a friend to me.\u0026nbsp; I'm not going to trail her.\u0026nbsp; That's wrong.\"\n\n\"It's necessary, and you agreed to it when Ted brought it up three years ago.\u0026nbsp; You went along with the rest of us without any complaints.\"\n\n\"I've changed my mind!\"\u0026nbsp; He hangs the tie around his neck and starts to leave the restroom.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm going home.\u0026nbsp; You know, sometimes I hate this business.\"\n\n\"You're not just a loan officer, remember?\u0026nbsp; You're part of an elite team.\u0026nbsp; This team's members look after one another.\u0026nbsp; We make sure the team stays intact.\u0026nbsp; If someone were to destroy all that, then all of this is lost.\u0026nbsp; All of the money will be gone.\u0026nbsp; Now, you know Mariana has killed.\u0026nbsp; We've all killed.\u0026nbsp; We all know the secrets of this place and what would happen if we were exposed.\"\u0026nbsp; Satisfied that he's made St. Croix stop and pay attention, he walks closer to his friend.\u0026nbsp; \"I like Mariana, but I believe she hates enough people in here that she could still bring law enforcement down here to get even.\u0026nbsp; You want to take that chance?\"\n\n\"I just don't want--\"\n\n\"Shh.\"\u0026nbsp; Shiloh's ears rise to full attention.\u0026nbsp; Whatever he heard has reminded him that they are not alone in the room.\u0026nbsp; He clears his throat.\u0026nbsp; \"We'll talk later.\u0026nbsp; Let's just go see her one last time.\"\n\nThe wolves leave.\u0026nbsp; Seconds later, Tobias exits the stall, frightened of what he has just heard.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\* \\*\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\nMariana feels much better now.\u0026nbsp; After coming out of the restroom, she enters the lobby and stays to talk with the remaining workers there.\u0026nbsp; St. Croix, Inverness, and Shiloh sit around the front desk, chatting and laughing with her.\u0026nbsp; She is loose and playful, almost flirtatious.\u0026nbsp; At half past seven, Paraná and Tivoli make an unexpected appearance.\u0026nbsp; It looks like they have been having a good time; they are wearing casual clothing and she has her hands around his right arm.\u0026nbsp; She looks a little drunk.\n\nShiloh smiles and approaches the ocelot, shaking both her hands.\u0026nbsp; He is absolutely exuberant.\u0026nbsp; \"How've you been?\"\u0026nbsp;\n\n\"Great!\" she answers.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm an apprentice.\"\n\nHe takes a glance at the jaguar.\u0026nbsp; \"So you are.\u0026nbsp; He's a good choice too.\"\n\nSt. Croix stands and greets Tivoli.\u0026nbsp; \"What are you guys doing here?\"\n\nParaná steps forward.\u0026nbsp; \"We have chosen a mark, and we are about to finalize that decision.\u0026nbsp; Are the executives in?\"\n\n\"Just Crevecoeur.\u0026nbsp; He's with someone at the moment, but he'll leave soon afterwards.\"\n\n\"We won't take long.\"\u0026nbsp; The jaguar introduces Tivoli to Inverness, then marvels at the sight of the Maltese.\u0026nbsp; They hug each other, but she does not seem to be as happy as he is.\u0026nbsp; As soon as the hug is released, Paraná leaves for the conference room.\u0026nbsp; Mariana scans the ocelot, up and down, almost shocked at what she sees.\n\nTivoli looks on nervously.\u0026nbsp; \"What?\"\n\n\"You're working here?\"\n\n\"Yeah!\u0026nbsp; Isn't that nice?\"\n\n\"You're just a kid!\"\n\nTivoli frowns.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm twenty.\"\n\n\"So was I!\"\u0026nbsp; She steps closer, lowering her head to look at the ocelot's eyes.\u0026nbsp; \"Technically, I turned twenty a month after I joined.\u0026nbsp; You don't look--\"\n\n\"Don't be deceived by looks,\" Shiloh says.\u0026nbsp; \"I vouched for her myself.\u0026nbsp; The fact that she's already an apprentice so soon after joining means I was wise to do so.\"\n\nMariana shakes her head.\u0026nbsp; She clearly wants to say something against the new recruit.\u0026nbsp; She stares wide-eyed at Shiloh, but keeps her mouth shut.\u0026nbsp; She simply sits on the front desk.\u0026nbsp; \"I've already said my piece.\u0026nbsp; I'm not gonna say again how I think the girls are treated here.\"\n\nTivoli's eyes pace around the room.\u0026nbsp; \"What does that mean?\"\n\nShiloh pats her back.\u0026nbsp; \"Don't mind Mariana.\u0026nbsp; She's just paranoid.\u0026nbsp; You'll be fine.\"\n\nBefore the Maltese can respond, Camille exits the hallway and comes through the lobby.\u0026nbsp; She looks over the room and opens her mouth, probably to big farewell to the group.\u0026nbsp; Once she spots Mariana however, she stops and stares at her.\n\nThe room turns quiet as the cat puts her hands in the pockets of her blue jeans.\u0026nbsp; She looks ready for a fight.\u0026nbsp; Mariana stands.\u0026nbsp; Holding out her hands, she gently keeps the men away while creeping forward.\u0026nbsp; She stops when the girls are eye to eye.\u0026nbsp; Showing no anger or fear, the dog shrugs, acting as innocent as possible.\u0026nbsp; \"Look, I'm...sorry.\u0026nbsp; I was a real bitch.\u0026nbsp; I realize now that I was flaunting my success at you and Pam.\u0026nbsp; I didn't realize the damage I was doing.\u0026nbsp; There should _never_ have been any rivalries between us.\u0026nbsp; Now I....\"\u0026nbsp; Embarrassed, she folds her arms and looks at the ceiling.\u0026nbsp; \"I'm sorry,\" she repeats.\u0026nbsp; A curt smile appears on her face.\u0026nbsp; \"We're not bad people.\u0026nbsp; We just acted too much like girls instead of women.\u0026nbsp; We should have been more in sync.\u0026nbsp; We should have listened to each other, looked out for each other.\u0026nbsp; If we had, then maybe Zesty would still....\"\u0026nbsp; She stops herself; her eyes are beginning to water again.\u0026nbsp; Unfolding her arms, she tries to smile again and moves even closer to Camille.\u0026nbsp; \"Just tell Pam that I--\"\n\nCamille hisses, backing her counterpart away.\u0026nbsp; (_It also backs Shiloh and Tivoli away._)\u0026nbsp; She takes a couple of breaths and composes herself.\u0026nbsp; \"Just go back to Fresno.\"\u0026nbsp; With that, she quickly leaves the building.\n\nBefore anyone can comment on the proceedings, Paraná comes through the hallway with a laminated picture of the new mark.\u0026nbsp; Following him is Crevecoeur, who loudly clears his throat and announces, \"Okay folks, time to go.\u0026nbsp; Tobias has finished his work.\u0026nbsp; When the janitor is done, everything is done.\u0026nbsp; Beat it.\"\n\nEveryone files out the front door.\u0026nbsp; Shiloh holds the door open for everybody.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Hanging behind, Inverness nudges Mariana.\u0026nbsp; \"You want to go out later tonight?\"\n\n\"Ask me tomorrow, okay?\u0026nbsp; I'm too tired.\"\n\nTivoli again hangs on to her handler.\u0026nbsp; \"So, are you ready for another 'non-date?'\u0026nbsp; I promise I won't make you spend any more money.\"\n\nParaná laughs.\u0026nbsp; \"Actually, I was wondering if you would come over to my place.\u0026nbsp; We can review the plan and choose a date to hunt.\"\n\nShiloh sighs in exasperation.\u0026nbsp; \"No workplace romances!\"\n\nTivoli sticks out her tongue at him and they drift off towards his car.\u0026nbsp; Inverness and St. Croix get into their cars, waving a final time to the Maltese.\u0026nbsp;\n\nCrevecoeur gives her a hug and kiss on the nose.\u0026nbsp; \"Don't be a stranger.\"\n\n\"I'll try not to.\"\n\nShiloh acknowledges Tobias who is turning off the lights, and closes the door.\u0026nbsp; He is about to enter his car when he notices Mariana staying behind.\u0026nbsp; \"You want me to give you a ride?\"\n\n\"No, I drove.\"\u0026nbsp; She watches as Shiloh drives away, then turns to the building to give it one last good look.\u0026nbsp; The sky above is darkening and the moths are starting to gather around the outdoor lights.\u0026nbsp; Thick clouds are forming overhead, obstructing the moon.\u0026nbsp; It is going to be a dreary night.\u0026nbsp; Mariana pretty much feels the same way.\u0026nbsp; She wipes her eyes with the palms of her hands as she stands by the front door.\n\nThe lights inside are extinguished and the door opens.\u0026nbsp; Tobias exits, heaving a sigh of relief.\u0026nbsp; His job is done and not a moment too soon as far as he is concerned.\u0026nbsp; He locks the door and turns for home.\u0026nbsp; That is when he sees the Maltese looking at him, smiling broadly.\u0026nbsp; He backs away in surprise, then laughs energetically.\n\n\"Hi there,\" she says.\u0026nbsp; \"Remember me?\"\u0026nbsp; She does not wait for an answer; his face tells her that he is ecstatic.\u0026nbsp; She approaches him and they embrace.\u0026nbsp; She looks like she means it this time because she is squeezing him really hard.\n\n\"When did you come back?\" he asks.\n\n\"Today, but not to stay.\"\u0026nbsp; She releases him and points at his feet.\u0026nbsp; \"You dropped your keys.\"\n\nTobias nervously looks down.\u0026nbsp; The keys to the building are on his right shoe.\u0026nbsp; \"Thanks.\"\n\n\"You've been given your own keys?\u0026nbsp; That's an honor.\"\n\n\"Nah, my uncle gave me his.\u0026nbsp; He says that if I'm given the keys to this place, it would make me more responsible and keep me out of trouble.\u0026nbsp; He treats me like a slave sometimes.\"\n\n\"Yeah, he kinda does.\u0026nbsp; Still, I'm gonna miss Mr. Crevecoeur.\"\n\n\"I heard you were leaving.\u0026nbsp; I was in the restroom when Shiloh told me.\"\u0026nbsp; He stops smiling and puts the keys in his shirt pocket.\u0026nbsp; \"What's going on?\u0026nbsp; Why are you going?\"\n\n\"It's a long story, and one I don't feel like retelling.\u0026nbsp; Almost everyone here still likes me, but I'm not really welcome.\u0026nbsp; Zesty isn't either.\u0026nbsp; So, I'm gonna jet.\"\n\n\"This is too sudden.\"\n\n\"Tell me about it.\"\u0026nbsp; She stands next to him and partially unzips her motorcycle jersey.\u0026nbsp; \"I've been waiting out here to see you.\u0026nbsp; Besides your uncle, you're the person I really came here to see.\"\n\n\"Really?\"\n\n\"We're friends, aren't we?\"\u0026nbsp; She puts an arm around his shoulders.\u0026nbsp; \"So tell me, are the guys still making fun of you?\"\n\nThe boy scoffs.\u0026nbsp; \"It's happening less, but yeah.\u0026nbsp; They still do.\u0026nbsp; When you're not here, or when Shiloh's not here, they still pick on me.\"\n\n\"Is Hoeness still the worst offender?\"\n\n\"Not as much as the greyhound is.\u0026nbsp; When you leave, it's gonna be worse than before.\"\n\n\"Yeah, I'm sorry about that.\u0026nbsp; I didn't take you into account when I quit.\u0026nbsp; It just happened.\u0026nbsp; In fact, I didn't think about you at all until a couple of weeks after I left.\u0026nbsp; That's wrong.\u0026nbsp; After everything we've done for one another to help ourselves cope with this place, you deserved better than that.\"\n\nTobias turns away from her.\u0026nbsp; \"Well, since you're going, I'd just like to thank you for...showing me around the building, and the tips for avoiding Pica and Dunn...and those other asses.\u0026nbsp; I wouldn't have survived the first six months without your help.\"\n\nMariana nods and closes in on him.\u0026nbsp; \"Yeah.\u0026nbsp; And thank _you_ for helping me with... _my_ problem.\"\n\nHe looks at her again.\u0026nbsp; \"You're welcome.\u0026nbsp; I've never...met anyone who couldn't read before.\"\n\n\"Yeah, well, I figured it was about time.\"\u0026nbsp; She laughs, causing him to do the same.\u0026nbsp; She watches as he bashfully turns away from her and slowly tries to walk away.\u0026nbsp; \"Wait,\" she says.\u0026nbsp; He turns to see what she wants, only to stiffen as she leans forward and gently kisses his pursed mouth.\u0026nbsp; It lasts a couple of seconds.\u0026nbsp; He is completely taken aback by it, but tries his best to stay still.\n\nFor her part, Mariana gently holds his hands, trying to steady him.\u0026nbsp; When she backs away, she does not wait for the kiss to register.\u0026nbsp; \"Walk me to my car.\"\n\nHe releases a shaky breath.\u0026nbsp; \"Sure.\"\u0026nbsp; Acting really self-conscious, he puts his hands behind his back, clasping them tightly.\u0026nbsp; As they walk away from the building, he tries to gather up some courage.\u0026nbsp; \"So what will you do?\"\n\nShe shakes her head.\u0026nbsp; \"Don't really know.\u0026nbsp; I'll do what Camille says and go back to Fresno.\u0026nbsp; I'll meet up with Zesty, maybe stay at her place for a while, but beyond that, I don't know.\"\n\n\"I'm gonna miss you.\"\n\nMariana stops and looks at him, causing him to stop too.\u0026nbsp; She looks apologetic and insecure, putting her hands in her pockets yet again.\u0026nbsp; She stares, watching his wistful eyes blink at her.\u0026nbsp; His sullen demeanor is making a quick goodbye really difficult.\u0026nbsp; If she could run and hide, she probably would.\u0026nbsp; \"Listen, it's Friday night.\u0026nbsp; Do you have any plans outside of home?\"\n\n\"Not right now.\u0026nbsp; I've got no money, but I'll get paid tomorrow.\u0026nbsp; Maybe then I could--\"\n\n\"Would you like to come home with me?\u0026nbsp; We'll watch a couple of movies and I'll cook you something.\"\u0026nbsp; She speaks quickly and loudly; she is practically getting a burden off her chest.\u0026nbsp; \"You don't have to if you don't want to.\"\n\n\"Are you kidding?!\"\u0026nbsp; His face comes alive with a big grin. \"I'm there.\"\n\n\"I'm glad.\"\u0026nbsp; She continues to the car, walking faster than before.\u0026nbsp; He trails behind, confident and inspired, as if he has just accomplished something important.\u0026nbsp; His face, and the rest of him, are positively glowing as he floats down the street, following his friend.\u0026nbsp; A gust of wind causes him to briefly shut his eyes and cover his face.\u0026nbsp; When he puts his hand down, she is well in front of him.\u0026nbsp; Quickly, he scampers behind her until he catches up.\u0026nbsp; He notices her tail wagging, and cannot help but observe it in action.\n\nWhen they approach the car, she turns her head slightly.\u0026nbsp; She coyly notices him looking at her rear end.\u0026nbsp; It causes her to release a bashful, closed-mouth laugh.\u0026nbsp; \"Before you get any funny ideas, you should know that I'm asexual.\"\n\nTobias looks up.\u0026nbsp; \"What's that?\"\n\n\"Asexual.\u0026nbsp; 'Sexual' as in 'sex.'\u0026nbsp; 'A' as in none.\"\u0026nbsp; She laughs boisterously, embarrassing him.\u0026nbsp; \"Just get in,\" she titters.\u0026nbsp; This is clearly the happiest she has been all day.\n\nThe human quickly enters the passenger seat of her brand new, black minivan.\u0026nbsp; It does not have license plates on it yet.\u0026nbsp; He looks over the inside of the vehicle as he closes the door.\u0026nbsp; He simply cannot believe his luck.\u0026nbsp; \"So, what's for dinner?\"\n\n  \n  \n\n","series":{"name":"Venom:  Beautiful Killers","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/291935-venom-beautiful-killers-part-16.json","next":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/306712-venom-beautiful-killers-part-18.json"}}