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Kate stood waiting for me in the dining room when I got home. It was a little later than usual, but to say my mind was slightly distracted seemed fair to me. "Hey Ty. Got tied down at work?"

I smiled anxiously at her noticing the dress she had on. The dress I had just bought for her a few days ago was a dark royal blue dress that hugged her figure, with black and white gems interspersed throughout the strapless. It added a nice contrast to her white coat, and highlighted her eyes even more than I thought was possible.

"Forgot about date night?"

Right. That was why she had the dress on.

"Sorry," I sighed, slapping myself on the forehead. "I got some serious news at work and it sort of... shell-shocked me. I'll take a shower quick and get ready." I approached her before taking her in my arms and kissing her softly on the lips. "You just stand there and keep looking sexy."

"Will do. Sure I can't watch though?" she smirked, trailing a hand down my cheek.

I shook my head and chuckled gently. "If I wasn't sure you'd try to get in the shower with me, definitely. But we do have dinner and a movie to attend to, don't we?"

"Mm. Can't we go bar hopping instead?"

I smiled, kissing her again, not missing the playful gleam in her eyes. "Only if you want us thrown in jail, and with that pretty dress, that just won't do. Don't worry, just another two months and I'll be twenty-one and can buy you all the alcohol your greedy wolf-metabolism can handle."

"Sounds wonderful. Now hurry up so we can go." My lover threw me a come-hither look before continuing, "I don't want to wait to show off my mate."

A chill ran up and down my spine at that. I don't know what it was, but the way she said it seemed so primal, so much more full than 'lover' or even 'wife' did. I stole another quick kiss before heading off to the bedroom, stripping out of my work clothes. I didn't quite look like a scientist, I'll give it that. FARGS was really laid back about dress codes as long as you weren't in a lab setting, so I just usually wore a graphic-tee and some jeans when it was one of the easy days, like today.

Before I knew it, the water was crashing down my back, the steam filling my lungs. Today... today was not horrible, but stressful all the same. I was almost certain that the boss knew about Reggie's little... Crush? Fascination? Lust?

It was a bad place he was putting me in. He knew about my relationship with Kate, even approved of it to a slight degree - not that he could say anything, because of _his_position - and then comes along Reggie, all of a sudden acting up and Anderson decides to push him on me? I was about eighty percent sure that Reggie knew I would hop on the cameras, despite that almost none of the 'brids knew about them. I suppose flight and eyesight twenty times better than a human's allows people to notice that little shine in their air vent.

And if Anderson had seen it or one of my coworkers reported it to him... perhaps it wasn't a very subtle manipulation on Reggie's part to get his way. If others had been privy to that knowledge... and to think! I didn't even know he swung that way! That also brought up the question of who brought him the vibrator, because I was fairly certain that it didn't come in one of the "here's everything you need to take care of a half-human half-animal experiment" care kit. It wasn't a serious issue, of course, but the only real friends he had outside of the compound were me and Kate. Though I suppose he did get along well with Max, the wolf a year younger than him.

Max was in the social group too, living with an elderly scientist couple that had retired and he had volunteered to help with. The thing was that I knew Max was straight and I couldn't see him giving Reggie a gift like that even as a joke. He was a pretty serious wolf, and had even almost challenged me to fight to usurp my 'alpha' position before Kate had come in and squashed that little fantasy of his.

But I was just overthinking it, like always. I shut off the water and grabbed a towel from the rack, or tried to at least. I pulled back the curtain, seeing that none of the towels were there anymore. And the clean towels were outside the door. Did Kate do the laundry today? Well fuck.

I sighed, stepping out of the shower and dripping water all over the floor. I opened the door to the bedroom to see a folded towel lying on the ground in front of me with a note on it. 'Sorry, just had to sneak a peek.'

I glanced up to the mirror in the corner of the room, seeing a faint flash of white and some muffled giggling as my voyeur disappeared from the doorway. Naughty girl.

I chuckled to myself as I dried myself off, and soon enough, I was presentable again. I walked out to the living room, all dressed up in a snazzy two-piece suit - jacket open, of course. Gotta have that attitude.

I was met by a grinning wolf, her tail lazily dragging itself back and forth in amusement. I cleared my throat and put on a mock stern voice. "Now listen here young lady, that was very rude of you. Now, I would normally bend you over my knee and teach you how bad of a dog you've been, but since we're going out tonight, I believe I'll spare you the punishment." I rolled my eyes when she started to pout. Reluctantly, I added on, "For now."

I laughed as she all but tackled me, arms wrapping around me like a vice and her head rubbing against my neck and the underside of my chin. I hugged her back, giving her a quick peck on the top of the head. "Now, where are you wanting to go? We'll have to catch a late-night movie, but that's fine."

We started out the door, Kate sliding under my arm easily as we made our way towards the campus parking lot. She thought about it for a few moments, before smiling and poking my chest. "Ruby Tuesday's."

I gave her a look out of the corner of my eye, which she met with an indignant stare. "Didn't we go there the week before last Kate?"

"Maaayyyybe, but they really like it when we come, and we don't have to fight the management and say that I'm not a pet like any new places that we go to." We had some trouble a while back when the social half of the experiment had started. Many people in the city knew that there were some new creatures being created, and that they were being housed in the campus, but to most people it was just rumor. Seeing a 'brid for the first time was shocking to a lot of people. We had a lot of outcry about it, but things had mainly settled down in the four years that I've been bringing Kate out.

One of the things that had bothered my lover the most was when they called her a pet. It was odd, seeing her bounce off names like freak, half-breed, and other insinuations like her mother having dog fetishes and other hurtful things, but the first time that someone called her my pet she was in tears for an entire night and had to be comforted the entire week with assurances that I wasn't going to put a collar on her.

It was still a sore spot in some ways - most pet play and collared BDSM were off the table with her - but she'd gotten over the stinging remark and learned to joke about it, which was a good step. I was able to joke back with her, as long as I kept it under control. "Yeah, that's true. Ruby's it is."

She smiled back at me, and it was hard to describe what the smile was. It was happiness and desire, contentment and pure love, all pushed into the form of a smile. I felt myself falling in love all over again. I stopped and spun her around by her shoulders causing her to gasp sharply. I seized the moment, pushing my mouth against hers hungrily, standing just under the entrance to the parking building.

She pushed back eagerly, both sucked into the moment before we heard a cough from behind us. It was the security guard, frowning at the two of us. We blinked, looking back at each other before we shuffled apart awkwardly, both rubbing the back of our heads. "Umm, Tyson Moon, spot B-23, checking out."

Normally I would've just said, "Hi Bert, it's date night again!" but said elderly security guard was nowhere to be seen. The new security guard had a scowl on his face as he punched in the necessary requirements on his computer and waved us through.

I stopped before heading up the stairs, asking, "Hey, what happened to Bert exactly? Did they switch shifts on him?"

"No. He's in the hospital from a stroke."

I blinked at the curt answer. He must've been pissed about having to work the night shift. "Oh, well... I'll have to pay him a visit then. Thank you."

I turned back to the door, where Kate was impatiently waiting, when I heard the guard whisper, "Don't see why you'd care, bestial motherfucker."

I stopped in my tracks, watching as Kate's mouth fell open, obviously hearing it as well. I felt the blood start to rush to my face, my arms shaking uncontrollably as my fists clenched. It wasn't the first time it had happened. It wouldn't be the last, but it most definitely wasn't the worst that had ever happened.

Before slamming the door, I shouted out, "I'd watch your mouth if you wanna keep that job of yours, asshole." The loud clank of the steel stairwell door shut out any other rebuttals the rent-a-cop might've had, and I put my arm around Kate as she held onto me while we walked up to the second level.

We didn't say a word until we were in my '05 GT, when I let out a quick, shaky sigh as Kate held onto my hand looking at me compassionately. She opened her mouth and closed it with a snap when I gave a slight shake of my head.

"I know. It shouldn't bother me, there are no grounds to the whole damn bestiality slur. You're just as intelligent, probably even more so, than I am." My voice softened as I looked towards her face, where tears were starting to build up in her eyes. "I just... I don't care what people think about me. You're the most wonderful, loving person I've ever met, and to hear someone equate you to a senseless animal... it just infuriates me. I can't help but be angry with them."

She smiled, wiping the tears from her eyes before she leaned in and kissed me on the cheek. "I know Ty. But people are ignorant to what they're not used to. Just give it time. Hybrids are growing, and they're even starting that facility up in New York too. People will get used to it, even if there is still that idiotic few that hate us for existing. I learned to accept it a while ago, you should too."

I punched the edge of the steering wheel, screaming out, "I shouldn't have to accept it!" I took a couple deep breaths, grabbing the edges of the abused wheel so hard my knuckles turned white. Calmer, I said, "I shouldn't have to accept it... because that's admitting to them that they're right, even when they're wrong."

---

"Hey Tyson! Kate!" we were greeted by an enthusiastic hostess just inside the door to Ruby Tuesdays.

"Tayla! It's been a while! Did you finally get back on Friday shifts?" Kate spoke up, waving fondly at our favorite greeter.

"Yeah, my second job didn't work out so well. Damn bar went bankrupt. It sucked, I was making pretty good tips there too." She frowned, before getting back in her usual cheery attitude. "Well, just you two again? We should plan a group outing sometime soon again, that'll be fun, right?"

I smiled, nodding as Kate responded, "Definitely Tayla."

The blonde-haired hostess took up two menus and sets of silverware as she asked, "The usual spot, yeah?" Without waiting for an answer, she whisked off to a little raised corner that usually was reserved for the VIPs, but there were never enough to matter anyhow. I supposed due to Kate's unusual nature, we technically counted as VIPs.

There was only one other table that was occupied, but they seemed engaged in conversation over some business charts, and were on the other side of the area. Kate and I sat down, opening up the menus and looking over them. We ate here quite a bit, but we still liked to vary up the order from time to time.

"You all going to be here for a while?" Tayla asked, leaning on the table.

"We always are, Tay." I responded, winking at her. Kate scoffed and stuck her tongue out at me.

"Alright, I'll stop by when I get my second ten. A waiter will be with you in just a sec. Oh! And he's just started, so be sure to give him the usual treatment." She smirked, holding her finger up to her lips in a 'hush-hush' kind of movement. Kate got a sinister grin on her face, nodding. I sighed and rolled my eyes. Tay and Kate always got like this, but it was cute. Kate didn't have many friends outside the campus, but I was glad that Tay was one of them.

As Tayla left, we settled into a comfortable silence as we looked over the menu. Having made my decision, I set the menu down, seeing that Kate did the same. "So, despite the rocky start, I'm glad we came here. We haven't seen Tayla in what? Two months?"

"Yeah," I responded, "though I am kinda concerned about Bert. He's getting up there in years, and a stroke is pretty serious news."

Kate nodded settling her hand over mine. "Don't worry, he's a tough old fart. We'll find out where he's at tomorrow and visit him."

I nodded, looking down at the table. "Kate, I have some news about work..."

Murphy's Law was in full affect, as the waiter walked up at just that moment. I mouthed, "After," as he approached. He seemed nervous, especially so after taking a quick glance at Kate. Most people wouldn't have noticed, but I saw him flinch ever so slightly after he looked at her.

Credit where credit's due, of course. He put on a professional demeanor, immediately beginning his greeting. "Hello, I'm Aaron, and I'll be your waiter tonight. Can I get you two anything to drink?"

I smiled politely, despite my thoughts. I've seen anger, disgust and rudeness, but fear? "I'll just have some coffee and a water, please."

Kate had a big smile on, showing her sharp teeth clearly. She didn't seem to catch on to the waiter's attitude. "Earl Grey, with two slices of lemon, no seeds please."

I sighed inwardly. She was going for the full 'bitchy-in-more-than-one-way' affect then. Aaron blinked, before scribbling down on his pad. He paused, scratching his forehead with his pen. He shook his head before writing a little bit more down. He looked up again, giving us a sheepish grin before continuing. "Alright, I'll get those out in a moment, are you two ready to order, or do you need more time?"

"We're ready." Kate smiled again, causing our waiter to scoot just ever so slightly closer to me. "I'll have the biggest, bloodiest steak that you have. I can just imagine ripping into it with my bare teeth, tearing it-"

"Kate." I interrupted her, looking towards the waiter, who seemed to be shaking slightly. Her eyes widened, but before she could say anything else, I jumped on it. "I apologize Aaron. Kate heard from the hostess that you were new and she has a bad habit of taking jokes a little too far."

He gulped, before nodding, visibly fighting down the urge to run. "It's... it's okay. It's my fault anyhow for letting it get to me."

My wolfess looked down at the table abashedly, as I continued to order for her. "She would like the sirloin, however. Rare with potatoes and green beans on the side." I gave him a moment to write it down before continuing, "I'd like the shrimp seafood platter with the salad bar and no second side."

He nodded, shakily saying, "If that's all, I'll get your drinks out momentarily."

After he left, Kate looked up to me, asking, "What'd I do?"

I pursed my lips, "I don't know exactly. I've never seen anyone scared of you before."

My lover... my _mate_looked to the side, an expression of hurt and regret on her face. We were silent until he brought out our drinks, setting the tea set in front of her gently and quickly retreating before setting my drinks in front of me.

He stood there awkwardly for a second before blurting out, "I'm sorry!"

We both shared confused looks before looking up to him, the question left in the air without either of us saying it.

"I um... I had a bad experience in Nevada as a child with some coyotes. I've uh... been nervous around canines ever since." His eyes widened at the implications of what he had said, before quickly correcting himself, "Not to insinuate that you're a dog, ma'am, or anything but... oh... I'm sorry again!"

Deciding to sit out of this one, I let Kate chuckle before smiling - careful not to show her teeth - she nodded, her own worries appeased. "I'm not offended, don't worry. I am a canine, even if I'm more human than the usual type. I apologize that I didn't realize I was scaring you Aaron."

Aaron nodded, before blushing a bit. "You're... you're really beautiful though."

Kate and I blinked, mirroring each other's actions. Kate gave another genuine smile like the one outside the parking lot again, before saying, "Thank you for the compliment, Aaron." She thought a bit, before looking at me and asking, "Perhaps we could help Aaron out with his fear of canines then? Tay did mention she wanted to do something together. You'd be more than welcome to join, Aaron."

I gave the waiter a grin, before joining in. "Sure, that wouldn't be a problem. More the merrier."

I know a lot of people wouldn't be so amiable after hearing someone call their lover 'beautiful', but those people are just jealous pricks. Having someone tell a girl they're beautiful, especially one that you're dating should make you feel better about yourself, not jealous. Besides, Aaron seemed like a decent fellow, despite the fact that he was overly apologetic. He was at least brave and professional enough to face his fears to do his job at least, which was definitely points in his favor in my eyes.

Perhaps we had gained a new friend. Who knows about these things?