Page 100 of Only Human in Strangeville

That was a good question. “Company, for now at least.”

Aurora grumbled at Nimbus, who simply flopped over onto his belly and swatted her in the face again.

“Nimbus, be polite.”

He grumbled happily, ignoring me.

Oliver released me from the tight hug and walked with me up the stairs and to my apartment.

"We need to find you a house,” Oliver said as we went inside.

“A house?”

“Yes. There is not room for all of us to gather here, and Bridger’s home is too far away to be convenient.”

“I can’t afford a house.” Suddenly I realized I had missed at least one rent payment and perhaps my other bills as well. Shit.

“I would not worry overly much about money,” Oliver replied. “All of us together have plenty. Perhaps once things settle, you will finally get a chance to work on that book you mentioned ages ago, and then you will have some income from that, as well. There is no need for you to stress.”

“I think I missed some bills.” I sighed.

“All of the utilities are owned locally. No one is worried, Hannah. Let us take care of you, as you have taken care of us in this conflict. We’ll work out a balance as time goes.”

I took a breath and nodded. “Okay. I won’t worry about it right now. We can all talk about a house together if we want. Having some place where we can all gather probably is a good idea.”

“Let me make you tea.” Oliver went to my kitchen where he had apparently upgraded my tea selection.

I let him take care of me while I went to my closet and tried to figure out what to wear. I settled on an outfit that I hadn’t had a chance to wear yet. Nothing fancy, because I hadn’t yet gotten around to buying anything fancy, but comfortable enough and it looked nice. I laid it out on the bed, then went back to the kitchen to drink tea with Oliver. Nimbus and Aurora occupied themselves, wrestling in the living room.

***

Davin texted to let me know he was on his way up, which I appreciated. Oliver had stayed with me until about a half an hour ago, and I’d appreciated the company. By the time Davin knocked softly on my door, I’d regained most of my equilibrium and shaken off the sorrow of the ceremony we'd had for the fallen earlier.

“Hey. I hope this is okay.” I gestured at my clothing. “I don’t have anything nice, yet.”

“You’re perfect,” he replied. Davin had dressed slightly nicer than me, but not so much that I felt underdressed. “I have two thoughts for dinner. I could take you out again, or, it turns out,”—he winked—“I’m a pretty decent cook. I have a couple of steaks that are just right for this occasion. Totally your call.”

I hadn’t actually been to Davin’s house yet. “Let’s go to your place.” In theory we were going to end up there anyway. Unless we had to do this under the full moon in the middle of the forest or something. In which case, hopefully we’d have a cabin nearby.

Seeing Davin smiling nervously at me, hope shining in his eyes, drove home that this was really happening. Butterflies of anticipation emerged from their slumber in my stomach and fluttered around.

I returned his nervous smile with my own and held out my hand. Davin pulled me against his chest and wrapped me in a hug.

“I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for us, Hannah.” His breath tickled my ear. “I’m grateful for Katsuro, Oliver, and Bridger that they have helped you find a home here and have kept you safe. And I’m grateful for Nimbus that he was willing to put me in my place, and for everything else he’s done. If nothing else, I’m glad you are in our lives. I very much hope you still want to share bonds.”

“I do,” I tightened my arms around him.

After a long hug, Davin loosened his arms. “So, about that steak?”

Nimbus rooed.

“Yes, I have one for you, too.” Davin ruffled the cloud dog’s ears, then offered me his arm. I let him take it and we headed for his place.

***

“He didn’t!” I laughed and took a sip of red wine. Dinner, a perfectly cooked steak and a delicious salad, was only a memory of dirty plates we’d already put in the dishwasher. I sat, perched on the couch so I could look at Davin, who sat next to me, also drinking wine and telling stories.

“I swear. Oliver wore the hat for a month straight, holes and all. Little Jimmy was so proud he made one for me, too. I still have it. Eventually he got interested in other things and stopped knitting for a few years, but recently he took it up again.” Davin shrugged. “He got some flak for it from a few of the less flexible pack members, but as long as he holds up his duties, what do I care? Besides, knitting is a valuable skill. I had a word with a few of them and they quit bugging him about it.”

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