"*****!"

Unsure exactly what step she might take next, Shane stashed the items under her pillow, and trotted down the hall to meet Tina.

The blonde woman was digging through the refrigerator when Shane arrived in the kitchen.

"We’ve got some chicken, or some," Tina pulled out a container, and took a smell. "Eww, we don’t have that." She put the container back in the refrigerator. "Chicken, or I could make some eggs or something." She looked to Shane.

"Chicken is good," Shane said with a shrug.

"Ok." Tina pulled the container from the fridge.

"Mind if I have something to drink?"

"Of course not." Tina laughed, then gestured to the refrigerator. "Grab something."

While she didn’t mind, exactly, Tina couldn’t help but frown slightly when Shane grabbed a beer. But she knew trying to ‘card’ the young woman would be a worthless endeavor.

"Want one?" Shane asked.

"I think I’ll just have some water." Tina put the chicken on the counter, and grabbed a couple plates, handing one to Shane. "Take what you’d like."

The young woman grabbed a small piece, a wing, and then looked at Tina timidly. When Tina said nothing, she grabbed a breast, and shot Tina a smile.

Tina just rolled her eyes, but was glad to see the playfulness of her guest. Helping herself to a piece of chicken, Tina got a glass of water and headed for the table, motioning for Shane to follow her.

The first few minutes of the meal were almost silent, except for the sounds of eating. Tina didn’t even want to hazard a guess how long it had been seen Shane had eaten something, but judging by the young woman’s frame, regular meals weren’t a common occurrence.

"Why are you doing this?"

Tina was lost in the thought of what a life on the streets must be like. She hadn’t notice that the younger woman had slowed her pace, and was now staring openly at her.

"People do nice things for each other."

Shane’s eyes narrowed. "Sure. For a price. Or when they want something."

"Sometimes," Tina agreed. "But sometimes, just because they want to."

Shane appeared to contemplate that thought as she took a long drag on the beer bottle.

"I’m going to put the chicken back in the fridge, but help yourself to more." Tina gathered her plate and stood. "And, if you would, put your plate in the sink."

The young woman gave a nod. "Will do."

"And Shane?"

"Hmm?"

"Please, before you enter a closed door, knock?"

"Yes ma’am." Shane gave Tina a playful wink.

"Goodnight, Shane."

As Tina left the dining room, Shane watched her departing form. And she smiled in spite of herself.

(tbc?)