"Stay," Seth scratched Xander's head. "It's just for a short while. We'll be going soon."
He had made sure the windows were down so Xander could get air. He knew Baron and Snowie were just around the corner. Baron had made sure to let him know they were almost home. He had packed everything belonging to Snowie and Xander. Now he just needed Snowie and they would be gone.
"Showtime," he whispered.
Baron came driving down the road. Seth heard the engine before he could see the car. Baron turned into the driveway, and both him and Snowie got out of the car. Xander barked from Seth's back seat.
"Why is my dog in your car?" Baron asked.
"We were about to take a road trip," Seth said.
"I need a nap," Baron yawned. "Sure, take my boy out for some fun."
Baron walked past Seth. Snowie came walking behind Baron. She was still wearing that long, caramel brown dress while Baron had changed into everyday clothes. Seth gently grabbed Snowie's arm and nodded towards his car.
"Get in my car. We're leaving," Seth said.
"What?" Baron asked.
Baron turned around and stared at Seth and Snowie. Snowie's bottom lip quivered. Clearly she was scared.
"Get in my car, Snowie. Don't look at him. All your things are packed and in my car. Go join Xander. We're leaving in a moment," Seth said.
"What the fuck is going on here?" Baron asked.
Snowie turned around and hurried towards Seth's car. Baron was about to run after her but Seth grabbed Baron's arm to stop the bigger man.
"No, you don't," Seth said.
"Let go of me!" Baron growled. "That's my girlfriend and my dog. You ain't taking them anywhere."
"I copied all the recordings you saved in your memories folder," Seth said.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Baron tried.
"Password is Snowie," Seth said. "You're not that fucking creative, Baron."
Baron sneered at Seth and tore his arm free.
"What do you want?" Baron asked.
"I want you to stay away from Snowie and me. From this moment on we no longer exist to you. You're gonna let her go without a fight or those recordings will be sent to your work, all your friends, everyone in your family, and the cops," Seth said.
"And Xander?" Baron asked.
"I'm taking him too," Seth said.
"You can't take my fucking dog!" Baron snarled.
"I can and I will," Seth said calmly. "You're a sick man, Baron. I'm scared you might hurt Xander when we leave and you have no one else to take your anger out on."
"So what? He can handle it. He's a big dog," Baron said.
"You don't even deny it," Seth shook his head in disbelief. "Get some help, Baron. You fucking need it."
Seth turned around and walked down to his car. He remained calm despite shaking on the inside. Baron was so much bigger and stronger than him, but Seth had still managed to outsmart him. He got into his car and drove away. Once he turned the corner, tears started running down his cheeks.
"Seth?" She asked.
"I'm sorry," he looked over at her and let out a snort of laughter. "And you're crying too. Look at us. We're a mess."
She laughed through her tears too. He pulled over and they hugged each other. Xander tried getting in between them. He didn't understand much of what was going on. He just knew there were people cuddling and he wanted to be a part of it. They broke the hug and gave him some deserved ear scratches.
"I don't actually have a long term plan but you can stay for as long as you need," he smiled at her. "I got a guest room that we can give a makeover to your liking."
She moved in and pressed her lips against his. Just a soft kiss but it made him smile.
"Thank you, Seth," she said.
"If that's your way of thanking me, I'm in for a fun ride," he chuckled.
"Don't tell me I'm wrong. I've always felt like you liked me a bit more than you probably should," she said.
"You're not wrong," he said. "I just want to be sure you're ready before we even entertain that thought."
"Thank you," she said. "I mentally checked out of my relationship with Baron a long time ago. I just couldn't get out. And you were a bright star on a dark night whenever you came to visit. I always wanted you to take me with you, and now you have. I wish I could make you understand how happy you've already made me, and I know it'll only keep rising from now on. Just give me a few days to settle down and figure out that I'm safe, and then let me take you on a date."
"You're taking me out?" He smirked.
"I am and you better not say no," she laughed.
Her laugher rubbed off on him. He laughed too and then leaned in for another soft kiss. That was all they were both willing to give in that moment. A soft kiss with a promise of what was to come once she was ready.
"I won't say no," he said. "I'm looking forward to it."