Chapter Text
You lived in a fairly quiet and safe neighborhood.
You never had a scuffle with anyone, or even heard about a time where your neighbors were the ones in trouble.
So when you noticed you ran out of groceries for the week at 9 PM after spending dinner time playing with Chance and Parker instead, you thought it'd be fine to go out for a quick run to the 24/7 convenience store not that far from here.
You grabbed your keys, some cash, and a hoodie you left on the couch which probably gave Dirk a chance to distance himself from Harper after their break up (they were toxic, you had to!).
"Guys, I'm going out for a bit! Gonna buy some food, I'll be quick"
You said to no one in particular, figuring there'd be at least 4 or 5 dateables in the room as you wore the hoodie. The Dateviators ran out of power after playing all night, and was immediately put to charge in your room.
There was no way of knowing the worried looks they gave me, as Timmy perked up at your voice.
"Nya, It's nearing 10pm, she shouldn't be walking out at this time!"
A series of agreements and nods fill the room, as you picked up your phone and reached for the door, shoes already on.
But when you turned the knob, it wouldn't budge. A sigh leaves your lips, staring at the wooden door.
"Dorian, please unlock the door. I'm getting hungry."
Meanwhile, Dorian stood in front of your waiting figure, holding his hand as he looks down at you.
"Sorry love, it's late out. I'm sure Freddy or Stefan can cook you something"
Except, you couldn't hear him. Mumbling out an apology as you used the keys to open the door instead.
"Sorry, I'll be sure to bring you something back!"
You smiled, patting the cool wooden door reassuringly before you walked out the house. If anything happened, you had Phoencia with you. She could inform Mac if needed be.
Dorian stood there, baffled at how easily he became unlocked once you used Keith to get out. His usual strong and firm stand in every door, unshakable against any force, frazzled as his brows furrowed in worry.
"Damn it, she hasn't used you to open the front door in ages. Why now?"
Dorian frowns a little, look at Keith who whistled in front of him. There was still a key upstairs that would make him technically still at home.
"My, I didn't know you'd still open for me."
Keith smirked at Dorian, running a finger down his jaw, a relaxed look on his face as he shrugs.
"Sorry, who am I to rattle in the hands of the human?"
Dorian simply narrows his gaze, paying Keith no mind as he walks away. He couldn't shake off his worry, knowing you're out there alone and he couldn't move away from his duty to welcome you home, and protect the house.
He could only hope you'd come back with the same smile he loved, eating a snack as you walk into the safe comfort of your home.
Walking through the streets, the calm of the night gave the atmosphere a nice feeling of serenity.
You don't usually go out, not since the appearance of the Dateviators. But on the rare times that you do, it's usually to buy food or cleaning supplies. Now— you may be a shut-in, homebody, hermit— whatever! but you're not a hopeless one.
Besides, with the hundred something people in your house, you've done more than enough socializing than when you go out.
As you finally arrived at the local convenience store, you quickly began picking out what you need. Food, some stuff that the others might need or appreciate, and some snacks to keep you satisfied for the next few weeks.
Thanks to Mac, you were able to land a temporary easy online job, enough to get by every week. And with Monique's assistance, you were able to budget your expenses weekly AND monthly. So unlike among the many times you spent your money worrying about the next day, it's different now.
You never felt the gaze that lingered a little too long, nor heard the quiet shift of footsteps trailing just far enough to stay forgotten, yet close enough never to lose you.
A sudden shudder fills your body, tensing a little at the feeling. Did it suddenly get cold?
You checked the time, your phone glowing brightly against the dim surroundings. They should really finish putting up the street lights soon.
10:28 PM
"No wonder, I should hurry home now."
You mumbled underneath your breath, quickening your pace just a little, eager to get home and finally eat dinner. The Dateviators should be atleast 20% charged. You could use some late night company right now.
You smiled, happy that you had something to look forward to. People to come home to, something you never thought would happen to yourself.
Meanwhile, Front Door Dorian had moved outside. His worry overlapping his rational sense to stay indoors while waiting.
It's almost an hour since you left. Wyndolyn, Curt, and Rod had been keeping an eye out to spot you as well.
They usually don't worry, knowing the area was pretty peaceful. But it was late, and no one would have known what might happen while you're out in the dark of night. However, the familiar clothes and steps of their human approaching made Wyndolyn sigh in relief.
"She's home, Dorian. You can come inside."
Wyndolyn calls, as Dorian huffs in relief before coming back inside.
"About time."
He mumbled out, ignoring the amused glances Abel was throwing him as he returned to his position.
A sigh of relief escapes your mouth, as you arrive at your porch. You didn't even have to open the door seeing as your hands were full, it clicked open like it had an automatic sensor. Technically, it kind of did.
"Thank you, Dorian"
You chuckled, walking in to the comfort of your home as you helped close the door shut with your foot, knowing Dorian would lock the doors naturally. A breeze of warmth fills the air as you walk to the kitchen, sending an appreciative gaze to Hector.
Setting down the paper bags on the table, you happily started sorting them out before you decided to start eating.
What you failed to realize was that something else had followed you home—something you hadn’t paid for.