Author's Note: Sorry that this chapter is nearly a month late. I've had some personal stuff going on, and it's been taking up almost all my time and energy. This chapter is pretty fluffy. I decided to give y'all a break from the angst party. Love-bug is a real dog that I worked with at my local shelter. He's a cutie pie. Also, as most of you probably know, my friend AliceSloane13 has been having a difficult time, and will be on hiatus for a while. I encourage you to send her all your love and support! Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter. WARNING: This chapter contains implied abuse, references to self-harm, slight germaphobia possibly, anxiety, and kissing.

The next day, Nicky insists that she has to go back to work. Having taken a few days off to deal with getting enough evidence to take on her birthmother, she really needs to show up now. Alex decides to go with her, if only to keep an eye on her, and make sure the blonde doesn't do anything she shouldn't.

Nicky and Alex drive to the shelter, the smaller girl eagerly telling Alex about her adventures while working there. The brunette smiles at her girlfriend, happy that Nicky enjoys her job so much.

They soon arrive, Alex realizes, upon seeing the sign that reads 'Oak Animal Shelter'. They park, and head inside. Nicky signs in for her shift, while Alex signs some papers to be allowed to tag along and help.

When all the papers are signed and filled out, the blonde grabs a leash, and leads her girlfriend through a door toward the back of the main room. Alex is assaulted by loud barks, howls, and growls, as well as strong smells of dog and urine. She looks around in nervous awe at the rows of dogs in small cells. Each cell has a sign on the front, informing the reader of the dog's general information. The signs are also color-coded, with some green, some orange, and some yellow.

Nicky walks over to a particular cell, and grins. Alex comes over to examine its occupant. She sees a dog, wagging its tail. The green sign on the dog's cell reads:

· 'Name: Love-bug

· Temperament: Affectionate

· Physical Description: White fur with brown patches, short fur, brown nose, brown eyes

· Breed: Pit bull mix

· Sex: Male

· Health: Neutered, no serious issues

· Age: 3 years'

Nicky unlocks the door to the cell, and loops the leash around Love-bug's neck. They lead the dog to a large fenced-in yard behind the main building. She smiles as she undoes the dog's leash. Love-bug promptly tackles Nicky. Alex jumps, ready to pry the dog off of her girlfriend if need be, until she realizes that Nicky is laughing as Love-bug licks her face.

"Missed me, huh? Sorry I've been gone, bud. Had a lot going on. Still do. But I'll try not to let it keep me from coming to see you as much."

Nicky's grinning and petting the white dog. Suddenly, Love-bug runs over to something in the grass. He comes back over, carrying a ball in his mouth.

Nicky laughs, and throws it for him. The mutt chases after it, happily. She looks over to Alex for the first time since coming outside with Love-bug.

"What do you think?"

"I think it's a great job."

Nicky smiles. "It's not all just playing fetch. After Love-bug gets tired out, we're gonna have to change probably at least 10 litter boxes."

"Why did I decide to help you?" Alex groans.

Nicky cackles, as Love-bug returns with his ball.

The cleaning of the litter boxes goes about as well as can be expected. Alex is disgusted, while Nicky finds her fear of touching even the outside of one of the boxes amusing. Having worked at the shelter for a few years, and having had a cat since she was 10, changing cat boxes is normal for Nicky. Alex has never even had a pet fish.

"You want me to see if I can find you some gloves?" Nicky asks her girlfriend.

Alex looks up, eyes wide. "Please?"

Nicky chuckles, and leaves the room, returning a few moments later with a pair of rubber gloves. Alex takes the eagerly. Nicky stands up on her tip toes to peck the brunette on the cheek, as she passes her to go over to the box she's currently cleaning.

By the time the work day is over, Alex is amazed with her girlfriend. Nicky can deal with being tackled by dogs, cleaning up shit and piss, and occasionally ventures into the other building to feed the rabid dogs. Despite her exhaustion and disgust, Alex is happy. It's been a fun day, even if she stinks.

"My jobs have usually been garden variety waitressing, odd jobs, and library positions."

Nicky smiles at Alex. "I like getting my hands dirty. During the summers, I usually work at a barn in the next town over. I'll have to introduce you to the horses there sometime."

"I'd like that," Alex returns her smile, before kissing the blonde.