All morning, Kimbra's mind was assailed by doubts. Even spending most of her time in the Research and Development department didn't distract her.

What if he didn't actually want you there? Or maybe he feels sorry for you. Yeah, he's only inviting you because you're a friendless loser. Way to go Wulfe, you're officially that person now.

She never imagined this is where her life would end up. Going to a baseball game with Bud Flud, her sponsor. It wasn't something she would normally have bothered with. But like they say, there is a first time for everything.

An uncomfortable thought pushed its way into Kimbra's mind.

Maybe it was a punishment date.

It's not a date. We're just two adults going to a baseball game together. It. Is. Not. A. Date.

Then what was it?

Just a sponsor and the head of the project department trying to get on better terms with one another. Nothing more.

Maybe I won't think about you anymore. I have work to do.

Her grip on her clipboard tightened.

Maybe I won't have to keep wondering. It's really nothing, and it's ridiculous to keep pondering over such a matter.

In hindsight, it was almost funny. A year ago, she didn't think much of the man behind that bright smile and annoying commercials. Now she had no other choice but to think about him. Here they were. On the thin line of barely tolerating one another to somewhat of a friendship. The thought of having another friend did pique Kimbra's interest. She didn't have many of those.

She wished she didn't let the fear of getting hurt stop her from making friends.

Could Bud end up being her friend?

Bud had an inflated idea of himself that was the size of Jupiter. He didn't come off as the type of person to be a very good friend. He'd always put himself first. Never the one to care about your achievements or life. Not unless he could interrupt and talk about himself, somehow. He couldn't see anything but his own dreams.

Am I ever really gonna be able to handle that?

Still, she tried to give him the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps this month will be different. But she didn't really expect a change. People like Bud Flud don't usually change. They liked to be stubborn and remain in their ways.

Wait…that sounds like me.

Before heading into her office from R&D, Kimbra stopped by the break room to pour herself a cup of coffee. As her heels clicked down the hall, other employees flinched a little. They clearly had been goofing off and weren't expecting one of their higher ups to drop by.

They weren't good for much, were they?

The smell of freshly roasted coffee beans wafted into the hallway. Caffeine should make the workday easier to get through. Some days she loved what she did, and felt useful to humanity. Other days she felt like nothing they were doing mattered in the slightest.

Doubts often clouded her mind. She'll never let it get in the way of her job. Someone had to do it, right? Eleanor up in diagnostics sure couldn't. Myles down in the lab? Nope. Not a single living soul in this facility could do what she does. If you looked up the word 'brilliant' in a dictionary, her name would appear right beside it.

Okay, that's a lie. I'm easily replaceable. Just don't tell my boss that.

Kimbra stepped into the empty break room, internally grateful that meant she didn't have to strike up a conversation with someone. The place was certainly quieter without her boss around. He was at the other end of town in a big meeting. Around this time, he'd be in here making hot chocolate (coffee caused his blood pressure to spike) and chatting anyway to anyone who would listen.

Grabbing a mug from the cabinet, she filled it to the brim with steaming coffee. She stirred it, adding in several doses of cream and sugar.

Then a small sip.

Not bad. Not bad at all.

At least I'm good at something.

"Slacking off?"

The sudden voice caused Kimbra to jump, nearly spilling her coffee. She turned to see Neil giving her an apologetic look.

"Sorry."

"You aren't."

"So…how are you feeling about the new intern?" He slanted a smirk at her as he fixed himself a cup of coffee. "She's just delightful, isn't she?"

Delightful. If the intern he was referring to was the one she was thinking of, then hell no. That word was reserved for other people.

Kimbra had to think for a second. "Quinn Ansie?" She wasn't going out of her way to acquaint herself with any of the interns. So, she had a hard time remembering names. Not that she wanted to, anyway.

"Yeah."

"I'd like her to shove it." Somewhere between yesterday and this morning, Kimbra decided that she hated the college student.

Neil was taken aback by that. "Kimbra, that's unprofessional."

Kimbra wondered how he was surprised by that, as she's said much worse about the other interns.

So, you want me to lie? Say she's just a doll, and we should hire her full on? Please, you know me better than that.

"She's arrogant and thinks she knows better than me."

"She's young and just a little overexcited about working here."

Again, she's arrogant and thinks she knows better.

A few times, Kimbra let her irritation get the best of her, resulting in her going off on the intern. She's sent her away countless times to run small errands, just wanting to get her out of sight. Once she sent Quinn to run copies of a report on climate change that she finished after a week. She'd worked hard on that report and was quite proud of it. So having the only copy of it destroyed pretty much set her tone for the opinion of the girl.

It's a miracle any actual work gets accomplished around here.

"All I'm saying is if she intrudes on my work again, I'm sending her down to work with the receptionist and take calls."

Or to volunteer as a test subject for the lab boys. They haven't had a living test subject for quite some time now.

There she was being petty once again. She has got to knock it off.

"Fair enough."

"I heard you and Mr. Flud made plans today."

Oh? How did he know about that?

There's not enough gossip around the facility, so everything spreads like wildfire. Of course, people would be talking about her agreeing to go to a game with the new sponsor.

"Yeah, we're going to a baseball game together."

"A baseball game?"

"It's something we both like, guess he's making an effort to bond or whatever."

In the end, she didn't really have a choice. Part of her thought if she turned down Bud, he'd go tattle on her to Ainsley.

"Good, glad you two are friends now." She could hear the relief in her friend's voice.

Friends. That word made Kimbra stop in her tracks. She never thought she'd consider Bud, of all people, her friend. That had to mean something, didn't it?

Unless, of course, she was wrong, and he only invited her due to selfish reasons. With thoughts like that running through her head all day, it was hard to keep focused on work.

I'll need a drink after today.

The worry about the baseball game refused to leave Kimbra's mind. It continued to prick at the back of her mind, over and over.

I need to talk to Bud about this.

No, nothing was wrong. Nothing at all. It's no big deal. She had more important things to do with her time anyway than to worry.

Yet, a quick call wouldn't hurt.

Her heart skipped with hope as she picked up the phone. A bit of reassurance that he wanted her there might be the solution.

Still, she hesitated.

What if he makes you feel worse about this?

She just needed to get this over with. With a few quick presses, Kimbra dialed the number to Bud's office. His secretary picked up. Just her luck.

"Sparkling Crystal Pure Flud Water, how may I help you?"

"Hi, this is Dr. Wulfe…may I speak to Mr. Flud?"

"He's in a meeting. He'll get right back to you."

Oh.

"Can you ask him to call me back?"

"Whatever," the clerk hung up without a second thought.

Rude.

Kimbra waited half an hour before she tried calling again. It took a few rings before he picked up. She hoped the secretary wouldn't be answering this time. She might end up screaming into the phone if that was the case.

Luckily, he answered. "Kimbra, if you couldn't get enough of me, you could have just said so."

"No, no no," Kimbra cut him off immediately. "Don't you even go there! I needed to ask you something, that's all."

"Excuses, excuses."

"Can you knock it off?" Her voice was higher pitched than she'd like it to be.

"I will if you tell me that I'm your favorite person."

"No."

"C'mon Kimmie."

"Don't call me that and no."

"Please?"

"I'll think about it."

"Really?"

"No." Kimbra huffed. "I'm hanging up now. Don't forget about the baseball game."

"I'll pick you up at five, don't be late, honey." He said in a mockingly high voice.

"You are so despicable." She hissed before swiftly hanging up.

Kimbra wanted their little bonding session to go well. This was definitely not a good way to start.

You have to stop freaking out. This is not a big deal. And you forgot to ask him if he even wants you there!

Well…consider it to be an experiment. See what results you get when you put a narcissist water bottle salesman with a brilliant scientist. That should ease her nerves, looking at the situation like any of her other work.

Because science is still science.

He's late. He's not coming. I knew this was a bad idea. Why on earth did you ever agree to this?

Kimbra had felt a touch of disappointment at the sight of…well…more like the lack of Bud. He said he'd be here at five. It was already five-twelve. That didn't bode well for the evening.

Where the hell was he?

Just as she was about to call, an expensive looking black car pulled up, it's horn going off. Cautiously, Kimbra approached it, leaning down to look through the rolled down window.

"Almost thought you weren't coming."

"Now would I do that to you?" His sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, and sunglasses rest upon his face. His shirt was a tacky dark blue floral button down. Not seeing him in a suit again felt wrong. And then he noticed what she was wearing.

"Ew." The disgust in his voice was so thick you could cut it with a knife. "You are not wearing that in my car."

Kimbra looked down at her outfit. A yellow shirt, black capris, sneakers, and a green Condors baseball jersey. What was wrong with it?

Oh…it's the Condors jersey. Of course, that's what sets him off.

"I'm not changing." She wanted to avoid arguing with this man. It was childish.

"Kimbra," he actually sounded serious. He actually wanted her to change.

"Bud."

Realizing she wouldn't budge, Bud gave up. "Fine, get in."

Kimbra snickered as she climbed into the passenger seat and clicked her seat-belt in place.

"You're a massive pain in the ass."

"Me? Never!" She fluttered her long eyelashes ever so innocently. She glanced at the door lock, pressing the button, making all the car doors lock. Just in case something happens.

"And why did you do that?" Bud asked as he pulled out of the parking space.

"It's a big city. Someone might try to kidnap or rob me."

"You don't think I can protect you?"

"No."

A snicker left his mouth. "They'd just bring you back anyway."

Kimbra ignored that. "Can I drive?"

"Absolutely not."

"Why? I'm a great driver!"

"Women are terrible drivers, that's why."

"Now that's a blatant sexist statement." It came out angrily.

"It's a fact." He stated as he narrowly avoided her glare.

"It's an opinion."

"It's a fact."

"It's a myth!," Now Kimbra was mad. "Women drivers make up less than 30 percent of all traffic violations, including fatalities."

"You're just a tiny little thing, I don't want you hurting yourself trying to drive."

"It's not hard, Bud. Don't be a loser."

"You aren't driving my car."

"I won't hurt it!"

"It's an expensive car and I don't want your stubborn ass putting a dent in it."

"Fine," Kimbra sat back in the seat with her arms crossed. "But if the Condors win, I should be allowed to drive back." Her eyes remained focused on the road ahead.

"Oh, I know for sure they aren't gonna win," Bud laughed. "How do you live with a franchise that bad?"

"What makes you so sure it's bad?"

"I just know."

"The Condors are one of the top baseball teams in the area!"

"One of the top, not the top."

Smart ass.

"How come you always sound so sure of yourself?"

No reply. She glanced up at him.

"It's what sells." Bud gave her a soft smile which seemed to be reserved just for her. "If I'm never sure of myself, why should anyone buy my products?"

Fair enough.

"Mhmm." A nonchalant murmur, like she was barely paying him any attention.

As if she ever had.

The yellow lines of the road went by in a blur. Silence remained between the two. But Kimbra wasn't about to turn on the radio. She didn't know what Bud listened to or if she's even allowed to touch anything. The window on her side of the car was rolled down, and her purple hair blew in the wind.

It felt kind of surreal. Being in the passenger seat of Bud's car.

How did you end up here? Oh right, he charmed his way into getting you to this point.

"Will you take it back?" Bud questioned in an amused tone, disturbing the quiet.

Kimbra turned her head to look at him, frowning. "Take what back?"

"Will you take it back?" He repeated. "What you said about me."

The white dog wasn't sure which thing she said to him, he was referring to. That didn't matter. She's said plenty of terrible things about him. They'd be here all night if she went through the long list.

"When you apologize for what you said about me."

"I didn't say anything about you."

Oh yes, you did, liar.

"Let's just make amends and apologize to each other then."

"Sounds good. You first."

Already she could tell that this wasn't going to be easy. "I'm sorry I said you'd be balding in five years."

"Sorry, you said you had fleas."

"Sorry, I made fun of the way you dress."

"Sorry about saying your roots were showing." The black-haired canine glanced at her, but quickly put his eyes back on the road. "And that I hate your little fun facts."

Time to hit him with one.

"Did you know it takes four hundred and fifty years for a plastic water bottle to break down?"

"Yet it only takes you one minor inconvenience."

Dammit. Wasn't prepared for a comeback.

Her attention returned to watching the city's buildings pass by. "I really can't stand you sometimes."

"Not my fault if I'm born with a natural charm that you can't handle." Adjusting his sunglasses, Bud frowned at the stalled traffic up ahead. "I swear this hellhole is always having traffic problems."

A frustrated grunt left his chest without hesitation.

"I think it's people trying to dodge all the potholes." It wasn't the easiest task in the world. There were so many that you'd hit one while trying to miss another.

That comment made the hound snort out loud. "Yeah really." Bud clenched his jaw as he gripped the steering wheel a little tighter. Patience was a virtue, and Bud Flud wasn't one to have moral standards.

They started moving again once the traffic finally let up. Most people in this dump of a city didn't know how to drive. That or some ninety-year-old was holding up traffic trying to get across the crosswalk.

"Finally," Kimbra muttered from the passenger seat.

"Did you have fun at the office today?"

"If you can call working yourself to death fun, then yeah, I did."

"You gotta give yourself a break. Wulfe."

"I can't, or I'll fall behind."

"What makes you say that?"

She let out a little sigh and leant on her hand. "I dunno just…everyone gets farther than me despite putting in less effort. SpecCorp is always four steps ahead of me, no matter how many nights I work overtime. I just can't fall behind."

He looked over at her at the next light. The pity he took on her was almost immediate. His hand moved over and rested on hers, giving it a small squeeze. There was something so reassuring in his touch.

"You're doing just fine."

She felt much better when he said that. The sincerity was not at all like Bud Flud. It shook her a little. After driving in silence once more, they finally reached the baseball stadium.

Had it been worth it to even come? Is this just a terrible idea? Is this just his devious plan to get you kicked off the project or even fired?

A roar of clapping and cheers welcomed them to the entrance of the ballpark. The smell of roasted peanuts rose in the air. Kimbra looked up at the stadium. Chipley Coliseum. It had a seating capacity of seventy thousand. Bud stepped up to the ticket booth and handed the tickets over to an elderly man. He returned to Kimbra's side not too long after.

"Are you excited for this?" She asked as they made their way towards the entrance gate.

"Darlin', around you, always."

"Don't call me darling." Kimbra knew he only wanted to rile her up because he thought it was funny. Except something had changed. It didn't feel as condescending this time.

As they stepped inside and took their seats, Bud pointed out to the ads along the wall. "What do you think?"

Oh my god.

She winced, as if reluctant to criticize. "Why did you buy an ad on the outfield?"

"It's the ultimate form of advertising." The man exuded sheer confidence in his decision.

"It's lame."

"You're lame."

"Well…you have a lack of social awareness. You don't realize you're annoying everyone around you." She had to say it because no one else would.

"Says you."

"There you go again!"

"I'm merely pointing out you're just as bad as me."

"You're just like the other men with their expensive cars and lack of morality."

"Yeah, well, you're biased. Also, promise me you'll behave. I don't need to be in the tabloids with the bad press you'd probably give me."

"Only if you buy me popcorn." Kimbra looped her arm through his, bringing him closer, and Bud could practically smell her sweet vanilla perfume.

"I don't know how you can constantly eat all the time."

"I like food."

"I'm only buying you the popcorn, anything else is on you." He stood up to go buy it.

"Fine." That seemed reasonable.

Surely, they wouldn't bicker any more today. Haven't they done that enough? Unfortunately, the odds were against her in that respect.

Ten minutes into the game, and they were already arguing over it.

Kimbra was trying to prove to Bud that the Jackals wouldn't win. "Timothy Parilla is out due to a broken ankle, so this game will be a breeze for the Condors."

He'd skyrocketed to national fame last year when he hit the winning home run for the Jackals. He was their starring champion. Their most valuable player.

"He seems fine to me." Bud motioned over to where a tall antelope was walking towards the field.

Kimbra yelled out at him. "Why the hell are you walking?"

To her surprise, he turned around and answered. "It was just a sprain!"

Great.

She stood up from her seat, beginning to go into the aisle.

Bud's hand darted out to stop her. "Where are you going?"

She looked at him for a second with those clear blue eyes. "I'm gonna go break his ankle."

"Sit." He grabbed her arm and pulled her back to her seat. "Watch the game and behave yourself."

Kimbra flipped off the baseball player.

Timothy returned the gesture.

She wasn't going to win this one, and she knew it. "Hey, you guys suck!" She felt like she'd just committed an unspeakable crime.

Bud shushed her loudly. "In case you had forgotten, we're over on the Jackals side!"

"I'm not a Jackals fan." She tapped on the small bird symbol on the front of her jacket. "Condors, remember?"

"Still, you can't be insulting our team if you're sitting over here."

"I tried to sit over there, and you were like no, we're sitting here."

"Kimbra."

"Bud."

"You are so immature."

"Nu uh."

"Uh huh."

"You call me immature, but you do the same thing."

"Can we just enjoy the game? Please?"

"I'm trying." She sat back and crossed her arms. "Sitting with the enemy is getting in the way of that."

A man, a large bulldog sitting behind them, spoke up. "Man, if I were you, I'd keep that girl of yours in line."

Now that's a horrifying thought.

Kimbra wrinkled her nose at the thought of being Bud's girl. "Hey, I am not his girl."

"You sure act like it." The bulldog remarked.

She snorted and gave Bud a quick, 'this was a terrible idea' look.

Bud agreed with her. "She's definitely not my girl. I would have ripped my ears off by now if she was."

She tried to ignore the stab of something that felt like hurt at the thought. "I am a delight, and you should be honored if I let you date me."

That caused his face to morph into disdain. "Not really."

"She's kinda right, dude." The stranger chimed in. "Besides, she's a clear ten, and you're like…a foggy three."

"A foggy three? Seriously?" Bud said, sounding as offended as he looked.

The guy only shrugged and went back to watching the game, leaving the two to continue their bickering.

Kimbra eyed Bud, looked him up and down and smirked to herself, but said nothing.

"Alright," he leaned back to get a good look at her. "What was that?"

"Nothing."

"It was clearly something."

"He just said I'm out of your league."

"I could totally get you if I wanted." Of course, an egotistical man by nature would think that.

"You sure didn't do a good job of that at Dr. Ainsley's birthday party."

"I was only making conversation."

"You were flirting with me."

"I wasn't."

"You were." Kimbra corrected him, cocking her head to the side.

"You wish."

"You wanted me so bad."

Mr. I-Don't-Usually-Mix-Business-With-Pleasure.

He looked as though he were about to argue with her further, but, evidently, decided not to. "Can we just enjoy the game? So, who do you think is gonna win?"

"Well, if we compare the batting averages and go over the seasonal statistics-"

"Kimbra, I'm a simple man."

Wasn't that the truth.

"I'm aware." She tried to put it into simple terms for him. "I think the Condors will, considering the statistics."

"I think you're wrong."

"And why is that?"

"Carlson is good at hitting the ball. He runs fast. Jackals win."

She began to doubt he actually knew anything about baseball.

"I have no idea how you built your own company with a mind like that."

He smiled, "I'm just a smart man."

Further, into the game was much more enjoyable. She was laughing more—and the only time she laughed this hard was at work around Neil or Leslie (or her family). She found Bud to be funny. Charming. Sweet.

But only for a moment.

Oh, there's something seriously wrong here.

She should not be enjoying this. The only reason she's feeling this way is because she's at a baseball game.

If only that was the case.

Their eyes connected for a brief moment as the realization gradually settled in that Kimbra was enjoying her time with the crooked salesman. There really wasn't a good way to explain how she was feeling. Conflicted was probably the best way to describe it.

She quickly spoke to wipe her mind from the thought. "Hope you're happy that the Jackals won." They had just walked out of the stadium, frustrated with the game's ending.

"No because that game was awful." Yet, the CEO had a gleam in his eye, pleased that he'd been proven right. "Let's just pretend it never happened."

She can be a good sport and agree to that.

"I mean, we also could have done without them releasing dozens of balloons at the end."

"What's wrong with balloons?"

"It's environmental pollution."

"You always find a way to ruin the fun," Bud shoved his hands into his tan pants pockets. "Thanks for being an embarrassment back there, by the way."

"What do you mean I'm an embarrassment?"

"You were taunting the other team."

Something like guilt shadowed Kimbra's face. "I was mad and wanted to win."

"You're so cute." There was that salesman grin that seemed permanently etched into his face.

"I'm not cute."

"You are when you do that. Do it again." He smirked, earning a rather pathetic slap on the arm.

That was a dumb thing to say.

Ridiculous man.

She couldn't help but laugh.

"Buddy!"

The salesman looked up when he heard his name called out by a male voice.

"Buddy?" Kimbra smirked as she eyed Bud.

"Shut up." He frowned in response, appearing to be unhappy to see the stranger.

"Who's that?"

"Don't you say anything or embarrass me, you hear?"

Oh, but it's so tempting…

A chubbier and taller looking hound approached them. He had similar facial features as Bud, such as the same nose and ears. This man's hair was a reddish hue, and curly. Large glasses rested upon his nose. Like Bud, he dressed casual, not as tacky, though.

Bud introduced them to one another. "Kimbra, this is my cousin Morty." It wasn't a very optimistic introduction.

"Wasn't aware you were seeing someone," Morty raised an eyebrow at his relative.

Bud looked like he wanted to smack his head against the wall repeatedly.

Kimbra smiled at how tortured the businessman looked. "He's just my project sponsor. We're colleagues for the time being."

"Bud? He's actually doing something for once?"

"Right now, he's using his interns to pick up his dry cleaning."

"No I'm not!" Bud interrupted them, not wanting to get slandered.

Kimbra smiled. "Don't lie."

"If they aren't doing anything, I just happen to give them something to do. Nothing wrong with that." He replied with a hint of bitterness in his voice.

Neither cousin Morty nor Kimbra commented on that.

"Well, we really outta get going…see you uh…at the next family reunion." Bud attempted to push Kimbra to the car, not wanting to stick around any longer. Unfortunately, the quick exit he had hoped for wasn't meant to be.

Kimbra had no choice but to get shoved by the CEO. "Bye Morty! It was a pleasure to meet you!"

"You too!" She heard Morty call out.

"Never speak to any of my family ever again." Bud whispered desperately once they were out of earshot.

"But he seemed so sweet."

"He's a dork. None of the girls would ever talk to him."

"I wouldn't either if I saw him hanging around someone like you."

"Don't try to make this a joke. It's not funny."

"Come on, Buddyy." Kimbra drew his name out like a child.

"I really don't like you calling me that."

"Why not?"

"It's demeaning."

"Thought you wanted me to call you that."

"Yeah affectionately, not to tease me."

"Why would I be affectionate towards you?"

"Because I'm irresistible."

"More like despicable." Finally, some truth in this conversation.

"Hey!"

"So, why are you so rude to your cousin?"

"I just don't like him, that's all." Bud said in a tone which implied he'd really rather not discuss anything further.

"Really? I'm sure there has to be some reasoning behind your disdain towards him."

"Don't get me started."

"Don't even get me started on you getting started."

"Do you want to take a stroll on the boardwalk?" Bud motioned ahead of their right, trying to change the subject.

"This better not be a plan to murder me and dump my body in the ocean."

He lifted his hands up. "You got me, guess I'll just take you home then."

"No, I'd love to take a walk with you."

I cannot believe I just said that.

Even as annoying as Bud Flud was, Kimbra was very fond of him. Today made her realize that.

Ask him. Ask him if he actually wanted you to come.

"Bud?"

"Yeah?"

"You're my friend, right?"

That's not what you're supposed to ask! You fool!

"Oh god, are we putting a name on it now?"

Ugh, never mind.

"Answer the question."

"Yes, I'm your friend."

For once, sarcasm was absent from her soft voice. "I'm glad."

"Woman, you'll be the death of me," he shook his head as they walked.

"You're alright too, I guess." She glanced at him to see the faintly sheepish little smile he offered. "How's things at the factory?"

"Terrible." He stopped, turning to look out towards the massive ocean. His elbows rested on top of the wooden railing, his arms hanging off. "Sales are still down."

And then silence. He didn't add anything else to the conversation. He looked…worried.

"Can I suggest something?" Kimbra asked, no longer able to withstand the uncomfortable silence.

"Go ahead."

"Okay, so, every year St. Canard hosts a marathon to raise charity. It starts next week."

He blinked and something in his expression shifted. "So?"

"The city usually pays someone to supply water for the runners." She continued. "They usually use Barksdale, but he's booked, and they're still searching for a company."

"I'm listening."

"EcoTech is a sponsor, so I can put in a good word for you to the marathon planner. You'll get paid for it and there's the advertisement and such since it's televised—"

"Oh Kimbra, thank you!" Without a second thought, he swept her into his arms and twirled her around.

It caught Kimbra by surprise.

"Hey hey HEY." She made a noise of displeasure.

Bud stopped, still holding Kimbra in his arms. Her body was pressed against his, making her face grow hot.

"Drop me."

He obeyed and released the scientist from his embrace. Kimbra brushed her shirt out, trying to straighten it.

He smiled. "I really appreciate it."

"You're welcome."

Just don't do that ever again.

Kimbra couldn't believe she was helping him.

Tints of pink and orange started to stain the sky as the sun set. The two lost track of time hours ago. He told her stories of his youth, making her laugh at his antics.

"Oh geez, it's getting late." Kimbra suddenly noticed the time, surprised by how fast it had passed.

"Better get you back home, I think it's past your curfew."

She only responded by rolling her eyes at him. They headed back to the car, side by side.

"Sorry about embarrassing you today, by the way." Kimbra mentioned with an apologetic smile as they walked next to each other.

"It's not like you didn't do that before," his lips quirked with faint amusement.

"Can I drive?"

"No."

"Why?" She let out a childish whine as she slid into the passenger's seat and closed her door.

"I'd rather not die. You'll be on your own with that."

"Well, I think we should die together. So let me drive."

"You're so morbid."

Yeah, she was. Considering the fact, her mom died from an inherited rare disease. So did her grandma, and her great-grandpa, and great-aunt, and—

Okay, you made your point.

The good mood shattered, like glass. Death was such a selfish bastard.

It occurred to Bud that he should have asked by now. If she was okay, as he noticed her blankly staring out the window. He never really knew what to say around her.

Kimbra could tell he was considering what he was about to say next carefully, which was rare for Bud. He made no move to start the vehicle. Every second that rolled by was just longer than the last.

At last, he finally asked. "Are you still not going to get tested?" Bud asked, even though he knew it was pointless to do so. He assumed that's the thing on her mind.

"For what?" She knew what he meant, but wanted to hear him say it.

"Huntington's."

He saw her flinch slightly at the mention of that name and knew that he was right. He knew she wouldn't want to speak about it.

Kimbra nodded, as she didn't intend to get tested. Everybody dies. Just one gentle last breath, then nothing. Most people won't know how they'll die, so why should she?

I'd rather not talk about it anymore.

"Bud?" Her name fell from his lips so softly.

"Yeah?"

"Can we not talk about that now?"

"Of course."

Sorry to be a downer today.

It's easy to cry and even panic over that stuff. It was hard to accept. Because life wasn't fair. It'll kick your ass for years and make living insufferable. However, long or short a time, that would be. But, she appreciated that he was trying. He had good intentions. He pulled out of the parking lot and merged onto the street without another word.

"Thanks for coming with me." Bud looked over at her at a red light. "I wasn't even sure if you would accept my offer."

"Why wouldn't I?"

"We haven't gotten off on the best of terms lately." He said, having to lean close to hear her.

"There's no place I'd rather be."

Okay, maybe that's not exactly true. Brittlesburg, Alaska. Her apartment. In bed, asleep. There's plenty of other places she'd rather be.

But here, right now with Bud, was perfectly fine.

As they rode back to her apartment, the radio softly played in the background. No more words were spoken. Every so often, Kimbra would sneak a glance at the man in the driver's seat. Just to study him and figure out what he's thinking. But thankfully, Bud seemed too distracted to notice. He kept his eyes forward, concentrating on driving along the darkening road.

He's actually being nice. Or he's just trying too hard.

He pulled the car to the front of the GraStone Village apartment complex. The world felt like it was at peace for once. And time does seem to stop. Well, at least tonight it did. This moment felt all too familiar to her. A happier time in her life.

"Night Flud, I had a lot of fun tonight." She heard herself and bit back her words too late. "I mean…"

Then, she stopped short. He probably thinks I'm weird. Just shut up, before you say something idiotic.

"It's okay, I did too." Bud said, finding it odd how much he wanted the scientist around.

And the thing was, she knew he meant it. He had that far-away, thoughtful look in his eyes. It helped, a bit, or maybe it made everything worse.

Kimbra gave him a soft kiss on the cheek before exiting the car. Strictly platonic.

To Bud, it had an intimate feel to it. And it was a feeling he longed for. He had no idea what to say. He'd tried to come up with something, anything. Nothing came out.

He truthfully thought he couldn't stand the scientist. They did nothing but bicker. She was a downright nuisance. A menace. Someone he wanted to lock in a trunk and throw away the key.

Did he still think of her in that way?

Bud waited until she was inside before driving off. Kimbra noticed this and felt a quick pang of softness for the man. He cared enough about her to make sure she was inside safely before leaving.

Like they were old friends.

Well…an old friend wouldn't keep bringing up the little Huntington's ordeal.

She didn't want to get mad at him. Not if he was pestering her into getting tested because he cared.

Careful. Don't go getting attached.

And that was the biggest problem with this whole thing. What if she did get attached? Could she handle it? It was grotesque to even consider. Her, of all people, getting attached to Bud Bernard Flud? Absolutely not.

Of course, she wasn't going to like him. Not under these circumstances.

I'm probably lying to myself again.

Kimbra let her thoughts trail back to earlier in the day, when she was worrying whether Bud even wanted her to accompany him to the game. Something in her felt relieved. As it turned out, she shouldn't have worried.

No… it wasn't bad at all.

I really like you, despite who you are.

Of course, she really didn't want Bud to know that. It'd feed his large ego even more. A terribly self-destructive trait.

All in all, it was a pretty good end to the day.