Disclaimer: I do not own anything. I hope you enjoy the story anyways.

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I wipe the sweat off my forehead, wipe it on my pants, tighten my ponytail and check the time all while keeping the pace of my running even as I complete three miles. Gordon's house, no, my home, is the key to finishing strong. Besides, I am supposed to be there by seven-thirty, the time of his arrival.

In the distance I see Xena running after something and my heart drops. Did I leave the door open? Did somebody break down the door? It's been known to happen. I halt a distance away. When said object is thrown again I see that its white and that it's a bone. Relief rushes through my whole body more than it should. If someone did try to break down the door when I was home I could take them down. I'm not that clueless little girl anymore. I know how to defend myself.

I've already slowed so I walk up to the scene. Xena catches my scent on the breeze. She bounds up to me panting, and jumping with happiness for my arrival home.

She follows me to the yard, and back to Skullduggery. She sits at his feet and pants. He sits comfortably with his hat in his hand.

I wipe the side of my face again and shake it off. I sit next to him on the bench. The breeze feels nice. The sun hasn't set yet, but it's not overhead burning my already red scalp.

"You see? She does like you," I comment when I feel her back her body up against my legs as well.

"Nobody can resist me, I just can't help that I have it like that."

"It must be because you gave her your arm to play with. I'm surprised she actually gave it back to you. I had to fight her for a chicken bone the other night. I won, of course. I had to literally sit on her, and pry her mouth open. She didn't want to know me for the rest of the night."

"You left dishes in the sink," he says. His attention isn't on me, but out in the distance where a bunch of birds take flight.

"So? There's nothing Xena can choke on in the-"

"There are socks on the kitchen floor, the flowers in the hall vase are dead-"

"The way my house is my problem. I can leave what I want, where I want to leave it."

He crosses his arms. I bet he's smiling. He faces in my direction this time. I roll my eyes. I sit back so my back is resting comfortably. Xena moves a little. Her eyes are closed. She yawns a big dog yawn. She may be resting, but I know she's alert.

"You have finally admitted to yourself that you are here to stay, and not going anywhere. You've made your home a home. You're finally comfortable."

"I am," I admit. "I'm okay. You know I have my bad days, and you know I have more and more good days.

"I know. I know when to step in, and I know when to give you some space." He puts his hat on. "Right now, we have somewhere to be. We have people to see, and actions to take. Are you ready?"

I tighten my ponytail, and nudge Xena. She stands up quickly. She gives a 'woof!'

"Let's go! Hey Xena, I bet you're excited for another ride in the Bentley."

He takes the leash off the bench and we head toward the Bentley with Xena running ahead of us.

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