/// SAREN

“So… you’re in a gang.”

“Yup.”

“And there are... seven of you guys?”

“Yup!”

Alex had led Saren through the dining room (which doubled as a meeting room) and into the kitchen, where they now talked. Alex was sitting on the counter, Saren leaning against the pantry door.

“Huh. That’s a lot of people.”

“Not really. This place is big. I’ll give you a tour later.”

Saren looked at Alex, seeing him in full light for the first time. He was small, his legs dangling over the edge of the counter, not quite reaching the floor. His features were almost feminine, but he carried himself with a confidence that counteracted that. His hands fidgeted with the blue string bracelet on his wrist. The light shone on his golden hair, making him look angelic. He seemed lost in thought.

“Forgive me.. Who’s who again?”

Alex perked up. “Oh! You’ve met Sami, the leader. Tall, handsome guy. Louise was the girl you just met. She’s our doctor. Then Theo, who is our scientist-slash-bodyguard. Theo’s dating Cole, our diplomat and government insider. Maya, who’s our resident assassin, and Cheri, her apprentice. And then me, of course.”

“Right. I think it’s cool that you all specialize in something. Though I’m almost scared to ask what you specialize in.”

Alex smiled coyly and leaned forward. “Distraction. Infiltration. The occasional pickpocketing. Things like that.” He paused, and his smile grew wider. “Cheri and I also specialize in seduction.”

Saren felt his cheeks flare red, and tried to change the topic. “Ah. So.. .why did you guys let me stay?”

Alex leaned back again, still smiling slightly. “Several reasons. One, you’re cute, and probably useful.” Saren attempted to ignore the first part. “Two, why not, it’s not like we don’t have room. Three… well, personal history with John Forrester.”

“How do you know him?”

Alex hesitated, then spoke carefully. “I know of him. Everyone here does. And we all know he’s an asshole.”

“I’m glad I won’t have to see him again. I didn’t like him,” Saren said, thinking.

A woman walked through the door. “Ha! You’ll meet a lot of people like him, unfortunately.” She grinned at Saren. “Name’s Maya. Suppose you’re Saren. I’d shake your hand, but…” she shrugged, and for the first time, Saren noticed that she’s covered in blood.

He gulped but nodded to her. “Nice to meet ya.”

Louise popped her head through the door. “Maya, please go change. You’re tracking blood all ‘round the house.”

“Mkay,” Maya said cheerfully. “Imma borrow some of your clothes, Lou! See ya, Saren, Allie!”

“Don’t call me that!” Alex snapped, at the same time as Louise yelled, “Oh no you don’t!”

After a moment, their footsteps faded, and Saren turned back to Alex.

Alex was frowning at the floor, seemingly lost in thought once more. Saren walked forward until he stood in front of Alex. “You okay?”

Alex’s head shot up, seemingly not having realized how close Saren had gotten.

“Sorry,” Saren said, stepping back slightly.

Alex reached out and grabbed his arm. “No, it’s… it’s okay, I was just thinking.”

Saren smiled slightly at him. “That’s never good.”

Alex stuck his tongue out. “Rude.”

Alex let his eyes fall past Saren and onto the fridge. “Hungry?”

“What’ve you got?”

Alex hopped off the counter and slipped past Saren, opening the fridge door and wincing. “Not much.”

Saren peered over his shoulder. Hm. Let’s see…

He walked back over to the pantry and opened it. Score!

Ten minutes later, the stove was on and the water in the pot was bubbling away. Saren scooped up the homemade pasta and poured it into the water, taking care not to spill any. He turned a different burner on, set a pan on top of it, and poured the tomato sauce into it. He added ingredients here and there until he was done, turning off the stove and straining the pasta, then adding the sauce. “Hey, Alex?”

He turned around to see Alex staring at him in awe. Saren flushed. “Sorry, I got kinda carried away…”

Alex blinked. “Saren. That smells amazing.”

If anything, Saren went redder. “Heh. I like cooking. That and cleaning. I dunno why. It’s just what I do.”

“Oh my god, he really IS perfect husband material,” Alex said, jokingly fanning himself. “I’m keeping him.”

Saren laughed but turned away to hide a giddy smile. Maybe I can be useful, after all.