It had taken the strongest dye the store had and a new bottle of shampoo, but Drake's hair had finally gone back to his natural shades. He still checked his shampoo every shower, just to be careful. He wondered daily what had possessed him to accept Jade as a roommate. He also wondered what on earth had possessed her. She was definitely not normal.

"I don't know, man, it's like- remember Megan, and the worst couple things she did-"

"Narrow it down to the top three."

Drake groaned, leaning back in his chair as he waited for the movie to start. His brother, Josh, was in town, and the two had decided to go for a 'Bad Movie Tuesday' despite the fact that it was Saturday. Josh snacked on gummy bears, waiting for Drake's answer.

"She died my hair pink, for one. She always gives me this creepy, creepy look, especially if I run into her in the middle of the night. It's like she doesn't sleep. Last week, she had a horror movie marathon with her boyfriend, Beck. I could hear the screams in my dreams. I'm all for one or two, but not six. Not in a row. Not at night." Drake shuddered. "Man, I'm telling you, I don't know what I'm going to do."

"Why do you put up with this?" Josh asked. "She sounds like Megan on steroids."

"I don't know." Drake shrugged, helping himself to a gummy bear without Josh's permission. "She's kinda hot."

Josh shook his head. "She's not really your type, Drake."

"I'm not looking to date her. Trust me. But there's something nice about having a hot room mate."

"I say get rid of her."

The first trailers were starting. A kid and his dog ran across the screen. Drake watched as the dog started to do the kid's math homework, wishing he had been able to have a dog like that when he was in school.

"Yeah, maybe when I get another paying roommate. She's never late, which is nice. I hate being a slave to money."

"Whatever, man. But if she's as bad as you say, it won't be long until you lose it." Josh replied. He reached into the box for more gummy bears, disappointed when it came up empty. "Aw, man."

"Out?" Drake asked.

"Yeah. I'll be right back."

Josh got up and left. Drake stared at the next trailer, something about some superhero movie. He felt a vibration in his pocket and rolled his eyes. It was probably Josh, telling him he was going to use the bathroom for the fifth time. "I told him not to get the supersized lemonade." Drake growled.

Jade's name was up on his screen. Drake read her text, a sinking feeling in his gut. Only five little words filled her message.

I have a surprise for you.

Drake returned home around two in the morning, Jade's text long forgotten. He had the following day off, and it had been Josh's last night in town. He was glad he had been able to enjoy every second of it.

He yawned as he shut and locked the door behind him, ready to take a shower and hit the sack. The thought of his bed seemed so delightful. He was exhausted.

He gathered a few things from his room, preparing to be very quick in the shower before he went to bed. He yawned again, hardly able to keep his eyes open. The door to the bathroom was shut, the light streaking out from the crack on the bottom of the door. He knocked twice.

"Be out in a second!" Jade responded from inside.

Drake looked at his bundle of clothes, then back at the door. He cast another glance at his room, which seemed to be begging him to come to bed. "Never mind." He mumbled sleepily.

He stumbled back to his room.

Tossing his clothes in the corner, he stripped off his shirt, throwing it on the floor as well. There was a soft sound as it landed, followed by a warning growl.

Drake jumped. He hastily reached for the light, his fingers hitting the switch on the second attempt. "Oh, my god."

Staring at him as if he was a hot ham sandwich, a German Shepard stood with its eyes locked on him, all teeth bared. His hair stood up on end, and he was poised to attack. Drake froze, terrified.

"Nice boy… nice doggy…"

Drake wracked his brain. Should he keep looking the dog in the eyes? Should he look away? Which one would show the dog he wasn't a threat? His tired, slightly intoxicated mind could remember nothing. He regretted the few beers he had shared with his brother. Not much of a drinker these days, they had definitely had an effect. He blinked furiously, trying to activate his mind to come up with a solution. The dog was mad, and it was coming closer.

"I see you've met Shark." Jade stood in the doorway, her hair wet and tousled from being towel dried. Her boyfriend, the famous Beck Drake had heard some things about, stood behind her, leaning against the door frame.

"Yeah. Shark." Drake swallowed, still not taking his eyes from the dog. "So that's Beck."

"Yeah. His car broke down, so I told him he could sleep here. That's cool, right?" Jade asked.

"Hey." Beck said. "Nice to meet you."

"Yeah, you too. Now, what is Shark doing here?" Drake asked, his voice nearly cracking in a panic.

"He's mine. Down." Jade commanded the German Shepard. The dog obediently reacted, calming instantly. He walked to Jade, happily letting her scratch him behind the ears. "Good dog."

"Oh. That explains nothing." Drake said, his adrenaline still pumping madly. Shark seemed like a calm and happy puppy, even rolling on his back so Beck could rub his belly. The change in the dog was phenomenal. If Drake had not known, he would have never guessed that was the same dog that was so ready to rip out his throat a moment ago.

"I got him today, from the shelter. He was a guard dog, about to be put down. I couldn't let that happen." Jade said softly. She was sitting on the ground next to Shark, playing with him. Drake was amazed to see something resembling love in her eyes and a smile on her lips. She looked up at him, genuinely adding, "I hope you're cool with that."

Drake cautiously took a step closer. The dog looked at him warmly, completely relaxed. He stroked his side, the soft fur a delight. The dog half-closed his eyes, content. Drake's heart was won in an instant.

"Yeah, sure." He said. "The land lord allows pets, as long as they don't make too much noise. You're good." He smiled. "I kinda like him."

"Me too." Jade smiled.

As Jade and Beck talked about the dog's history and the tricks he knew, Drake felt himself relax. He felt as if some kind of connection had been forged between himself and Jade, and he was relieved. Maybe now the living situation would be easier. If he could live with Megan, he could live with Jade, he reasoned. He would make it work.

"He's a good boy." Beck grinned. The dog was practically in his lap. He was a young dog, no more than four years old. "He's well trained. He'll be good here."

"I hope so." Jade said. "I couldn't let him die. He seemed cool. Tough, vicious, but nice on occasion. I liked him."

"So, I gotta ask," Drake began, speaking what he had been thinking the entire time. "Why is his name Shark?"

A wicked smile flashed over Jade, and Drake suddenly realized why she had chosen this particular dog.

"Shark attack!"

As soon as the command had flown over her lips, Shark was up. He pinned Drake to the ground, his teeth mere inches from Drake's face.

"Get him off!" Drake pleaded, terrified. The speed that Shark had moved with was no laughing matter. He was heavy for his age too. Drake didn't dare push him off.

"Good dog. Down." Jade commanded. The dog obeyed, curling up by Beck once again.

Drake stood up, brushing himself off. "Goodnight." He said curtly, ushering the couple and the dog out. He shut his door behind them, locking and barricading it with a chair just in case. He did not trust that dog. He couldn't get rid of him, no, but starting tomorrow, things would be very, very different.